PHOTO Interview
Name: Robert Farber – Photographer
Born: Leap year day February 29, 1944
College: University of Miami
Favorite quote: “trust in life and let life happen”
Robert Farber has been a professional photographer for 40 years, shooting fashion, beauty, advertising, and Fine Art.
His first book came out in 1976 called “Images of Woman” (See complete Bio at end)
I started in photography because of my interest in painting. I never assisted which is the normal channels of becoming a professional and I never went to school for photography.
My interest has always been in painting.
The style of my work has been defined as romantic, moody, painterly and sensual… showing respect for women.
I’ve shot mostly 35mm on film sometimes medium format.
I’m now shooting almost exclusively digital.
I’ve been a shooting exclusively with Canon since 1995 when I was asked to be part of their “Explore of Light” photographers.
One of my favorite lenses is the
Canon 85MM 1.2
I’m most inspired by going to museums, galleries, looking through magazines, books, and films, especially old old classical movies. I also find visual inspiration from listening to music.
I get great inspiration from seeing the work of great painters. American painters like Edward Hopper or the Flemish school.The Dutch school of painting with their directional light or the softness and pastel colors of the impressionistic school.
I’ve had great fashion, and advertising ?assignments that of taken me around the world and put me in situations that I normally would have never been able to experience… in and surroundings that you could only dream. I’m very appreciative and felt most fortunate to have to have spent many years doing this.
Whether it’s shooting in hot air balloons for Christan DIor over The vineyards of France or an African safari for movie advertising in Kenya.
Most recently I completed an assignment that included shooting still advertising, directing a commercial, and then a fine art project, This was all in one assignment and trip. What it was, to shoot Miss Universe in Mexico City for the stills, then direct her for a TV commercial. After that 10 day project I would then travel all over Mexico to work a book, and portfolio of prints about the Mexico. The resulting portfolio was given to the president of Mexico, heads of state, and corporate leaders around the world. This I considered the perfect assignment, encompassing both fine art commercial stills as well as film directing.
What’s the latest….
Aside from new book projects that I have been working on, I am now working on a series of my classic fashion works from the 70s, 80s and 90s for a gallery release.
Also, a special project from classic images that will be announced in about two months. This new project is something exciting very different, but I ?can’t discuss it yet.
_____________________________
COMPLETE BIO:
Robert Farber’s style has influenced generations of photographers. His painterly, impressionistic
style captures the essence of composition in every genre, including nudes, still life, landscapes
and architecture. His ten photo art books have sold over half a million copies.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis brought?Farber?into Doubleday for the publication of his book “By
The Sea,” which won the Art Director’s Award for color photography. Aside from numerous
creative awards,?Robert?Farber?also received the Photographer of the Year from PMA
(Photographic Manufacturers Association), ASP International Award from the PPA
(Professional Photographers of America) and The American Society of Photographers. This
award was given to those who’ve made a significant contribution to the science and art of
photography. Some previous recipients of this award include Dr. Edwin Land (inventor of the
Polaroid), George Hurrell, and National Geographic.
Farber’s work with nudes in fine art as well as in the commercial realm is known and respected. He
has lectured for Ogilvy & Mather on the “Nude in Advertising.” ASMP requested to use?Farber’s
nudes as examples of the artistic application in support of the National Endowment of Arts,
after its backing of the controversial Mapplethorpe/Serrano exhibit. His book, “Farber?Nudes,”
was also included in the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate collection.
Farber’s fine-art photographs have been published in virtually every form.Farber?has exhibited in
galleries and museums world-wide. He’s lectured at the Smithsonian Institute, The George
Eastman House, as well as Universities and professional groups throughout the United States,
Japan, Australia and Europe. Aside from his fine art photography,?RobertFarber’s work
encompasses major campaigns for fashion, beauty and advertising, as well as directing for TV and
film. A documentary highlighting?Farber’s life and career, is in development for PBS
___________________________
Robert Farber publishing information
Farber’s first book was published in 1976, to date his books have sold over half a million copies.
MONOGRAPHS:
OUR MEXICO
RDO Editions, Limited 2011
AMERICAN MOOD
Merrell, 2004
NATURAL BEAUTY FARBER NUDES
Merrell, 2001. revised *2004
CLASSIC FARBER NUDES
Watson-Guptill 1991
BY THE SEA DoubleDay 1984 (original contract)
Melrose, 1984, *Revision Amphoto Art 1994
FARBER NUDES
Columbus UK, & Watson-Guptill 1983
THE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
Amphoto , 1981,1984
MOODS
Amphoto, 1980
PROFESSIONAL FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
Amphoto 1978,1983
IMAGES OF WOMAN
Amphoto, 1976, *1979
COLLECTIONS:
THE WORLD’S TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS: NUDES
Rotovision 2007
CURVE: THE FEMALE NUDE NOW
Universe 2003
GRAPHIS NUDE 2
Graphis, Inc. 1997
GRAPHIS NUDE 1
Graphis, Inc. 1993
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Melrose LA 1984
