Dahl-Wolfe, Louise


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Louise Dahl-Wolfe: Photographer


Louise Dahl-Wolfe (1895-1989) was born in San Francisco, California. Following her attendace at the San Francisco Institute of Art in 1914, she spent the next twenty years travelling. She returned to her interest in photography in the mid-1930s, working first as a fashion photographer with Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York, and joining Harper's Bazaar in 1936. She frequently worked with the editor-stylist, Diana Vreeland.


Noted for her use of bright sunlight, many of Dahl-Wolfe's compositions feature beaches, deserts and sunny landscapes. Her luxurios photographs of exotic swimwear and playsuits are noted for their painterly use of colour.