Norman Parkinson (1913-1990) was a British fashion and portrait photographer who revolutionized the industry with his unique style. He was born Ronald William Parkinson Smith in London, England, and began his career as an apprentice to a commercial photographer in 1930.
In the 1940s, he changed his name to Norman Parkinson and began working for British Vogue magazine. His work quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of light and composition, as well as its playful nature. He was known for using unusual angles and perspectives to capture his subjects in unexpected ways.
Parkinson's work appeared in many of the world's leading magazines, including Harper's Bazaar, Life, Town & Country, and Vanity Fair. He also photographed some of the most famous celebrities of the time, including Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe.
Throughout his career, Parkinson continued to push boundaries with his photography. He was one of the first photographers to shoot on location rather than in a studio setting. He also experimented with color photography during a time when it was still relatively new.
Parkinson's influence on fashion photography is still felt today. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions around the world and is held in high regard by many photographers who have followed in his footsteps.