Philippe Halsman is a photographer who has studied psychology very well. He tries to explore the real appearance and psychology of people through portrait photography. During the photo shoot, he made the model jump and filmed the moment he was suspended in the air. He thinks that people are most realistic and relaxed when they jump up in the air. He believes that the movement of women’s legs bending when they jump up represents innocence. 

Philippe Halsman, Marilyn Monroe Jump, 1954

This photo is by photographers Philippe Halsman and Marilyn Monroe. In the photo they jumped at the same time. Marilyn smiled and looked at the camera, Philippe’s head turned once, as if looking at Marilyn, but also as if to say hello to the person next to him. They look very happy and relaxed. Shooting portrait photography is no longer a serious and stressful thing. I believe that the atmosphere in the studio is also very relaxed and happy.

Philippe Halsman, Dali Atomicus, Collectors Edition of Magnum Contact Sheets, 2011

Philippe Halsman, Dalí Atomicus, 1948

He also shoots a lot of surreal photography. He shows an unreal world through photography, which is fun and full of creativity and imagination. The work “Dalí Atomicus” related to “floating” is mentioned in the first paragraph. This is the final result of his many attempts. Everything in the photo is floating in mid-air. The photographer’s assistant raised the chair, they threw the cat out, and the water splashed out. There seems to be no gravity in this picture. While people are talking about the role of photography for documentation, Philippe’s photographs are not for documentation, but for innovation.

Philippe Halsman, Dali as a Mona Lisa, 1954

In this photo, the photographer imitated Mona Lisa’s dress and pose. But he didn’t just copy, he also created his own. In the background is also imitating the appearance of the painting. This photo includes a portrait of the photographer himself, and a beard that is very personal to him. He has coins in his hand. The hair on his arms is obvious, which looks interesting in combination with the Mona Lisa outfit.