Photographers of the '60's - Patrick Lichfield

Lord Patrick Lichfield has used a range of techniques to capture images of the rich, the famous and everyday life. Through the use of composition, line of focus, scale and tone many of his images have become impactful and as such memorable. Many of his photographs are in monochrome but some have been shot in colour. Whether there is a level of enhancement through the use of monochrome or colour is difficult to comment on without there being an identical photograph using both techniques.

Patrick Lichfield - Portrait

This image has been specifically set up using studio-type methods. The subject is wearing dark clothing and is framed against a white background. This draws the focal point to his face but also captures the tripod, camera and light meter. Your attention moves from his face down through the camera and tripod to the light meter held in his hand.

Jacqueline Bisset, Wilton Place, London. 1964

 In this image, the subject has been positioned leaning against a brick wall. There is contrast between her hair and cloths against the harsh lines of the brickwork offering a variation in texture and shape. By positioning the camera close to the wall, your eye is drawn across the photograph from left to right and asks the question of what is further along the wall out of frame? In contrast the models eyes take you to the left of the image.

The photographs of Spider and Joanna Lumley with Patrick Lichfield capture moments in time; the atmosphere. By using shallow focal length, Spider becomes the focal point and your eye is drawn from left to right through the use of his finger pointing. The image of Joanna Lumley with Patrick Lichfield captures an intimate conversation between friends. It asks the question "What are they talking about?".

Spider - 1971

Joanna Lumley with Patrick Lichfield

The two images below capture specific moments in time. Although the image used on the cover of Life Magazine was not taken by Patrick Lichfield it is in the vain of his work and portrays the tender support between the two ladies. Again through the use of short focal length the image centres on the two ladies but captures the fact that they are part of a group.

Photograph published in Life Magazine -2005
Private Funeral Held for Lord Lichfield

I have chosen this final photograph as it captures a photographer being photographed. It is obviously a busy shopping area but the photographer is highlighted by being almost isolated; a direct contrast.

Patrick Lichfield Image