Phillippe Halsman, "Untitled"
1959
I really enjoy this simple yet elegant photo of Marilyn Monroe shot by Philippe Halsman. Usually you would see a photo like this on social media, of a bunch friends or family trying to time their jump perfectly for the camera, but this one image in particular is one of the best. In 1959 it was rare to see these types of photos especially of a model and actress. Today you may see an image like this of a celebrity but it would be no surprise. This image in my opinion is a lot better than a typical photo-shoot or headshot. In the moment of her jumping in the image you can see her true excitement and child like playfulness. It also humanizes her or anyone that would be caught mid jump. Halsman did a series called 'Jump' that this shot was included in. He has many images of celebrities from that time just doing the simple act of jumping. There may be a lot of pictures now that catch people mid air of jumping, but it doesn't compare to the number of pictures of people just standing and smiling for a camera. Having someone jump brings out that true smile and excitement that anyone would have.
