Irving Penn

Photographer

Birthday June 16, 1917

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Plainfield, NJ

DEATH DATE Oct 7, 2009 (92)

#189588 Most Popular

About

Photographer whose stunning portraits of models and celebrities earned him national acclaim. Among his subjects were Martha Graham, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, and Igor Stravinsky.

Before Fame

He initially intended to become a painter; however, a job designing cover photographs for Vogue magazine in the 1940s jumpstarted his career in photography.

Trivia

His photographs were characterized by the use of natural light and spare backgrounds.

Family Life

His wife, fashion model Lisa Fonssagrives, modeled for many of his best-known works. Their son Tom became a metal designer.

Associated With

His younger brother Arthur Penn directed "Bonnie and Clyde" and other films.