TUNE IN TUESDAY! Our Favorite HIRO Images

Who: Hiro

Birth Name/Aka: Yasuhiro Wakabayashi

When: The swinging 60s'

Occupation: Commercial Photographer

Location: New York

Why We Love Him: His photography style influences us in our own work. We love the originality in his quirky images. He has a very unique perspective that allows him to capture his subjects in the most vibrant and visually aesthetic manor. 

Born in Shanghai in 1930, Yasuhiro Wakabayashi  briefly enrolled in the School of Modern Photography in New York, in 1954. However, being  dissatisfied with the school; he apprenticed at the studio of Lester Bookbinder and Reuben Samberg. At the end of 1956, he began working for fashion photographer Richard Avedon. Around the same time, Hiro began working for Alexey Brodovitch; who at the time, was the art director for Harper's Bazaar, as his assistant.

By the end of 1957, Hiro  launched his own career, leaving his assistant work with Brodovitch. During his career Hiro became a star fashion photographer. He was published multiple times in  Harper's Bazaar  from 1956 to 1975, and was named Photographer of the Year by the American Society of Magazine Photographers in 1969. 

 "Surreal and unique, Hiro's photographs are noted for their elegance and clean appearance. These qualities are established by the use of uncommon lighting, the juxtaposition of unexpected elements, and his signature use of color."