Herb Ritts' "Eona Holding Zebra Skull" from Africa

In 1993, Herb Ritts traveled to east Africa, to photograph the Masai people, animals and landscape there. Working with him on the "Africa" book that was a product of his travels was a wonderful experience. I think Herb was proud of being able to produce images of people and nature that had nothing to do with Hollywood.... Yet the style and elegance of a Ritts photograph came through.

From a 1999 interview with Herb when his work, including his work from Africa, was being presented by the Foundation Cartier in France, sent to us by the Herb Ritts Foundation:

I loved doing the Africa book. It was a place I had always wanted to venture to. I was so taken that I went back six months later and just took pictures. I loved working with only what was in front of me, as it came along. It's a matter of composing with your eye what's going on in front of you, bringing what you've learned into the moment you're in.

Q: Are you ever surprised by your photographs, surprised by your subconscious? In Africa, for instance, it happened quite a lot that you took a photograph you were not expecting. Did you project things you weren't planning to?


Sometimes you have an innate sense of what's in front of you. You can feel you have wandered upon a person with a special energy, or a place somehow charged, even a particular rock that's strange or graphic. So sometimes I am surprised, but I think the surprise in the moment is the true magic of the medium.

You'll have the chance to see one of these rare prints in person, and possibly even take it home, next Tuesday at Real or Surreal...

Real or Surreal Photography and Illustration Benefit Auction
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
MILK Gallery
450 West 15th Street, New York City

Silent Auction:  6:00PM - 8:00PM
Live Auction:  8:30PM

Auctioneer: Rick Wester
Rick Wester Fine Art

Please join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and lively bidding.

Admission: $35 at the door, cash or credit (AMEX, MC, VISA)


Full online preview available here.


SPD is an advocate for our members' role as journalists and partners in the editorial process, and fosters new generations of editorial expertise through educational outreach and scholarship opportunities. Proceeds benefit these initiatives and expand our influence.


Auction Chairs: Gail Anderson, Illustration, and Jennifer Pastore, Photography

Auction Board: Gail Bichler, Mary Cahill, Laurie Kratochvil, Don Morris

Auction Advisory Committee: Stacey Baker, Christina Cahill, Alina Grossman, Hilary Greenbaum, Eddie Guy, Leo Jung, Kira Pollack, Leslie Simitch, Amanda Spielman, Dora Somosi, Casey Tierney, Siung Tjia, Michael Walsh



RELATED: Save the Date! Real or Surreal Benefit Auction, Tuesday, November 16th