Duane michals: a photographer's treasure hunts

Legendary photographer Duane Michals passed away on June 9 at the age of 94, leaving behind a treasure trove of images that forever changed the landscape of fashion and fine art photography.

Michals' innovative approach to storytelling

Michals' work, often described as a 'treasure hunt,' was characterized by its use of narrative sequences, text overlays, and an innovative approach to the photographic medium. His ability to weave complex stories through a series of images set him apart, earning him the reputation as 'the father of the photographic narrative sequence.'

A career spanning iconic vogue spreads and fine art exhibitions

Michals' career spanned over six decades, with notable assignments for Condé Nast titles, including Vogue, where he contributed regularly from the 1970s to the 1980s. His work during this period ranged from shooting stills on set with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow during the filming of The Great Gatsby, to reportage of the San Francisco ballet and jewelry designer Elsa Peretti at work, to portraits of notable men like Yves Saint Laurent, Dudley Moore, and Philip Glass.

Highlights from his vogue work

Two standout portfolios from Michals' time at Vogue in 1976 showcase his creative adventurism and mastery of the craft. The first, shot for the February issue, featured models as 'working women' in the Vogue art department planning room, capturing a sense of activity and purpose. The second, shot for the October issue, saw Michals work with a large group of models in the legendary Carnegie Hall studio of photographer Edita Sherman, creating a series of dynamic, slightly blurred images that convey a sense of energy and emotion rarely found in studio fashion photography.