Renowned photographer Norman Parkinson had spent 25 successful years at the top of his game when he and his wife Wenda decided to settle in the tranquil surroundings of tropical Tobago. They designed and built their own house in 1963, surrounded by palm trees that would often appear in Parkinson’s photographs, despite objections from others. His work took him to various exotic locations such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Tahiti, and the Seychelles, where he would use souvenir postcards as inspiration for his pictures. A new collection featuring many of these striking images, along with his royal portraits and Vogue covers, has been released this month.
Fashion editor Grace Coddington, who frequently collaborated with Parkinson on these trips, remembers him as a remarkable man who was relentless in his pursuit of fresh and strong images. Parkinson’s unique style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects set him apart in the world of fashion photography. His photographs often featured bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a sense of spontaneity that made them stand out. Whether shooting on location or in his studio, Parkinson had a knack for creating images that were both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Parkinson’s career spanned several decades and he was known for his innovative approach to photography. He was one of the first fashion photographers to embrace color photography, which helped revolutionize the industry. His work appeared in numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair, and he collaborated with many of the top models, designers, and celebrities of his time. Parkinson’s photographs captured the spirit of the era in which they were taken, reflecting the changing trends and social attitudes of the time.
In addition to his fashion photography, Parkinson also excelled at portraiture and captured timeless images of royalty, celebrities, and musicians. His ability to connect with his subjects and put them at ease in front of the camera resulted in intimate and engaging portraits that revealed the true essence of the individual. Parkinson’s portraits are characterized by their elegance, grace, and attention to detail, capturing the unique personality of each sitter in a way that is both authentic and timeless.
Despite Parkinson’s success and acclaim, he remained humble and focused on his craft throughout his career. He was known for his professionalism, dedication to his work, and willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of photography. Parkinson’s legacy lives on through his iconic images and enduring influence on the world of fashion photography. His ability to capture beauty, emotion, and style in a single frame continues to inspire photographers and artists today, making him a true legend in the field.
