George Hurrel

George Hurrell
By: Isabella Cann

George Hurrell - Who was he?
George Hurrell was an American
Photographer, born in Kentucky in 1904, but
grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hurrell was
most well known for his portraits of famous
actors during the 30’s and 40’s. Some
examples of some of the famous movie stars
he has photographed include Joan Crawford
and Marlene Dietrich.
Who was he? Continued....
At a young age, Hurrell expressed interest in
painting and taking photos. He studied art at
the Institute of Chicago. He mainly used
photography as a tool to document his
paintings at first, but then switched to
photography as his desired medium.
Unique Photography Style?
Characteristics of George Hurrell’s
photography includes:
● Harsh Lighting
● Black and White
● Strong shadows
Interesting Video explaining his technique!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqPuU3f0h7M
Photo Explanation -1
Elements and principles of design in this photo
include, Line in the background, texture in the
background and hair, contrast from her hair to skin,
Harsh lighting was used, It looks like the light source

was above the subject.
Elements and principles used include

movement in her hair, contrast from the
background dark to light, and texture in her
clothing and hair.
Once again, harsh lighting and black and white

colours were used in this portrait to give a
dramatic effect.
Elements and principles used in this photo
are movement in the smoke, texture on his
hair and jacket, contrast from the jacket and
the handkerchief in his pocket, and shape
for the angles and triangular shapes that his
jacket creates.
Once again there is harsh lighting to create

a dramatic and mysterious effect in the
photo
Elements and principles used in this photograph
include Texture In her clothing especially in her
fur coat, lines and texture in her clothing and hair.
The subject is photographed in a triangle

composition as well as harsh lighting.
There is an obvious triangular bright light above
the subject which casts shadows onto the subjects
face and body which creates shadows and drama.
Other elements and principles included used in

this photo include contrast created by the harsh
lighting as well as value.
Triangular composition in how the subject is posed
in this photo.
Elements and principles of design in this photo

include texture in the subjects hair and dress,
contrast from dark to light, and lines that my eyes
follow in her dress pattern.
Critical Analysis - Initial Reaction
● This photo reminds me of being bored/sad or
daydreaming
● I am wondering why the woman In the
photograph looks bored, or why she isn't
smiling?
● I wonder why the photographer made the
choice to pose her, with her hand on her face?
● I wonder what she is thinking?
Critical Analysis - Description
● I see a young woman with a white hat
staring at the camera with her hand on her
face. She looks like she is daydreaming.
● Harsh split lighting was used to create a
dramatic mood.
● Black and white adds to the drama and
mystery.
Critical Analysis
● The focal point in this photo is her eyes.
This has been emphasized by dark
makeup, as well as the lighting
● There is contrast between the hat on the
background, as well as her arm on the
shadow of her clothing
● Her hat, arm, and nose create balance in
the photo.
Critical Analysis - Interpretation
● This photograph is a portrait of a young
woman.
● The feeling that this photograph suggest to
me are boredom and sadness.
Critical Analysis - Cultural Context
● I don't know when this photo was taken,
but if I had to make a guess, I think it is
from the 1930’s, based on the makeup, and
hat as well as the black and white.
● Since George Hurrell took glamour photos
of movie stars, a feel that the audience of
this photo would be people in hollywood or
movie directors?
Critical Analysis - Informed Point of View
● I think that this photo was very successful. It
makes the audience feel certain emotions, as
well as the photo having a certain mystery to
it.
● Qualities that make this valuable is that this
photo is from a very long time ago, making it
timeless, the photos have an amazing quality
to them that is very unique and different.
Conclusion
In conclusion, George Hurrell was a brilliant photographer. He created the many
stunning, glamourous shots in the 1930s and 1940s. His style was different and
dramatic, he really changed the game for hollywood and had a large impact on history.
Work Cited
“George Hurrell.” Artnet, www.artnet.com/artists/george-hurrell/.
“George Hurrell.” George Hurrell | Holden Luntz Gallery,

holdenluntz.com/artists/george-hurrell.
“George Hurrell.” International Center of Photography, 2 Mar. 2016,

www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/george-hurrell?all%2Fall%2Fall%2Fall%
2F0.
“GeorgeHurrell.com.” The Official Website of Hollywood Photography Legend

George Hurrell, 15 June 2016, georgehurrell.com/gallery/.

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George Hurrell

By: Isabella Cann

Harsh lighting was used, It looks like the light source

Elements and principles used include

Once again, harsh lighting and black and white

Once again there is harsh lighting to create

The subject is photographed in a triangle

Other elements and principles included used in

Elements and principles of design in this photo

“George Hurrell.” George Hurrell | Holden Luntz Gallery,

“George Hurrell.” International Center of Photography, 2 Mar. 2016,

“GeorgeHurrell.com.” The Official Website of Hollywood Photography Legend

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