The Girls in the Windows

[KoNickon]

Is This the World’s Highest-Grossing Photograph? (Published 2023)

“Girls in the Windows” wasn’t made by an art world giant, but people keep buying it. And buying it. And buying it.

www.nytimes.com

A great picture and great story. I guess you'd call this "street" photography, though it's above the street! Anybody know what he used? I'm assuming medium format.

 

[Dogman]

Great story! And not a bad photo either.

 

[Henry]

What a fascinating story.

 

[raydm6]

Anybody know what he used? I'm assuming medium format.

There’s a shot of him in this article wearing a ‘Blad, but I am not sure that’s what he’s used.

The story behind Ormond Gigli’s “Girls in the Windows” iconic photograph, 1960 - Rare Historical Photos

In 1960, photojournalist Ormond Gigli assembled 43 women, dressed them in refined, colorful garb, and situated them in 41 windows across a facade.

rarehistoricalphotos.com

 

[raydm6]

I wonder if the above photo was an inspiration or influence for Led Zeppelin’s album cover for Physical Graffiti?

I still have the original album release with the sliding sleeves.

The Little-Known Story Behind Led Zeppelin's ‘Physical Graffiti’ Album Cover

We all know the songs on Led Zeppelin's 'Physical Graffiti' album, especially ones like "Kashmir." But what about the story behind its cover? Find out here.

americansongwriter.com

 

[KoNickon]

There’s a shot of him in this article wearing a ‘Blad, but I am not sure that’s what he’s used.

The story behind Ormond Gigli’s “Girls in the Windows” iconic photograph, 1960 - Rare Historical Photos

In 1960, photojournalist Ormond Gigli assembled 43 women, dressed them in refined, colorful garb, and situated them in 41 windows across a facade.

rarehistoricalphotos.com

I didn't see that in the article. There's a picture of him with a 35mm rangefinder (Leica? can't tell) but that's the only picture of him I see.

 

[Bill Jones]

I didn't see that in the article. There's a picture of him with a 35mm rangefinder (Leica? can't tell) but that's the only picture of him I see.

In the two pictures in the article he has a Hasselblad hanging from his neck.

Bill

 

[raydm6]

The thing that is odd is that the rewind knob appears to be on the opposite side of the camera (left) whereas the accessory rail is on the right. Also, the camera back film rewind crank should be on right (but I don't know early designs and if it was included on those early backs). Negative was reversed perhaps?

 

[raydm6]

I sent an email to his son Ogden (lives just west of me here in Massachusetts) - who is managing his Dad's works - if he could provide any insight:

Ormond Gigli Photography

World famous photographer known for “Girls in the Windows”, 1960 - an image not only about beauty and fashion, it is also a slice of time in history.

ormondgigli.com

Ormond passed away in 2019:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/berkshire/name/ormond-gigli-obituary?id=8813906

 

[Bill Jones]

The thing that is odd is that the rewind knob appears to be on the opposite side of the camera (left) whereas the accessory rail is on the right. Also, the camera back film rewind crank should be on right (but I don't know early designs and if it was included on those early backs). Negative was reversed perhaps?

View attachment 4829494

Ray,

I have no doubt it is a reversed print on a Hasselblad.

Bill

 

[Ricoh]

Is This the World’s Highest-Grossing Photograph? (Published 2023)

“Girls in the Windows” wasn’t made by an art world giant, but people keep buying it. And buying it. And buying it.

www.nytimes.com

A great picture and great story. I guess you'd call this "street" photography, though it's above the street! Anybody know what he used? I'm assuming medium format.

Behind a paywall.

 

[KoNickon]

The thing that is odd is that the rewind knob appears to be on the opposite side of the camera (left) whereas the accessory rail is on the right. Also, the camera back film rewind crank should be on right (but I don't know early designs and if it was included on those early backs). Negative was reversed perhaps?

View attachment 4829494

Now that's odd -- this picture doesn't appear in the version of the article I saw. Definitely a Hasselblad, reversed image.