Classy, to the end. Peter Gowland, 1916-2010.

I read in today's New York Times that Peter Gowland, the famous glamour photographer, died at the age of 93 on March 17. According the the obituary, it was from complications from a fall. Mr. Gowland published over two dozen books on pin-up and glamour photography, and his images were always well-done. Not only was he an accomplished photographer and author, but he also designed and sold the twin-lens Gowlandflex. This was a giant twin-lens reflex that was available in 4x5 and 5x7 sheet film sizes. Gowland was actively photographing and making cameras until shortly before his death.

To say that Peter Gowland was an institution would be a fair assessment. There's nothing wrong with liking beautiful women, but it takes some real talent and great technique to make a titillating, but not tawdry photograph. He was a master of pin-up and as much an icon as the many Hollywood starlets he captured on film. A long life lived fully. Classy until the very end. You can check out the Gowland website and get a lot more information about his work and tips for shooting glamour, too.