George hurrell smithsonian

Hurrell made commercial portraits of movie stars. Between , when he became the primary portrait photographer at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and , when he was drafted to take photos for the Army, he developed the lighting techniques and visual vocabulary that gave Hollywood stars their special aura of grace, mystery, and perfection. He was the master of Hollywood glamour.

One result of this new appreciation: much higher prices. Hurrell never intended to invent a new photographic idiom, or even to go to Hollywood.

George hurrell exhibit

He soon found photography a more reliable source of income than painting, and began taking pictures of local artists, socialites, and other visitors, eventually opening a studio in Los Angeles. Hurrell had no qualms about mixing art and commerce. Avoiding the soft focus then in vogue, Hurrell used shadow to shape her face. The Mexican-born actor spoke English with an accent, and despite his success in hits like Ben-Hur , he thought he might be better off pursuing an opera career in Europe.

But Novarro loved them. Novarro recommended Hurrell to another MGM star who needed photos done on the sly. She hired Hurrell to prove otherwise.

George hurrell famous photos

Playing jazz records and singing along as his wind-up gramophone slowed to a growl, Hurrell mussed her well-coiffed hair and made her show some shoulder and leg. Amused by his bad singing, she began to have fun playing the temptress. In the photos, Shearer looks the sophisticated seductress, completely at ease and enjoying herself.