“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” Irving Penn (1917-2009).

Vogue advert 1949.

Leave your copies of Heat and Hello at home for a day and check out some effective photography. A large collection of portraits snapped by the late American Photographer, Irving Penn, are making their way to the National Portrait Gallery in February 2010 to be part of an exhibition of the Penn’s most well known pieces. From vintage Vogue to erotic nudes, Irving’s camera has captured an array of the last century’s greats, including Salvador Dali, Hitchcock and Picasso.

At a photo shoot with a New Guinea mud man and a child. Irving captured many cultures through his lens.

Irving Penn Potraits
When: Feb 18-June 6 2010
Where: National Portrait Gallery, London
Nearest Station: Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo & National Rail)