Yevonde: An Introduction to the Woman Who Pioneered Color Photography
Know it or not, we photographers got everything from those who came before us. Their work influences our work. Kudos to those that built the foundation.
Signing her work simply, Yevonde (though she also worked under “Madame Yevonde”), she was a celebrated portraitist, innovative colorist, and advocate for women in the profession. In short, she was a pioneer. Yet Yevonde is not widely known outside photography circles.
In 1921, she became the first woman to lecture at the Professional Photographers’ Association. In the 1930s – against a tide of resistance – she championed the use of color photography and was the first person in Britain to exhibit color portraits.
Over a 60-year career, Yevonde photographed the rich and famous. Around 10,000 sitters passed through her studios. She also ran a successful commercial photography business until the year before her death, shortly before her 83rd birthday.
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