A great portraitist.

I have decided to apply a limited set of criteria in making this award.

The work has to say something new.

It has to be fresh.

It has to regularly surprise you.

You must learn from it.

And it constantly comes to mind.

But, above all, it must stir the emotions.

Now, 2008 has blessed me with many additions to my extensive library of books about photographers (click in the right hand column), yet, looking at those requirements, the choice was simple.

Horst P. Horst is the Photographer of the Year.

You do not need to have a fascination with great fashion or famous people or exceptional portraiture to enjoy Horst’s work. Yes, most of the people photographed by him were famous but they were also beautiful and a beautiful subject rarely hurts a photograph, though it takes a great photographer to do it justice. And you will not find any politicians in Horst’s work, reminding us that politics is Hollywood for Ugly People. Just glance at the front page of any newspaper for confirmation.

What so distinguishes Horst’s work then, is not just the beauty of his subjects. It’s the aesthetic sense he brings to his photography, so much so that you leave his pictures remembering the interpretation and the insights and not especially cognizant that the technical side has been despatched with the greatest aplomb. In the world of painting Raphael and Degas come to mind. Everything is just right.

Horst’s powerful skills and self effacing nature are best illustrated with one of his portraits.

Gloria Vanderbilt. 1941.

Yes, the subject is a knockout. Yes, the composition is startling in its originality. And yes, the gown is sublime. But Horst puts it all together, lights it beautifully – none of this is less than carefully planned – and the result is perfection.

Horst P. Horst is this photographer’s Photographer of the Year.