The 2008 Pirelli Calendar was photographed by one of my all time favourite photographers, Patrick Demarchelier.

There's a two part "behind-the-scenes" video on YouTube showing him at work and I thought I'd share them here because illustrate that good photography doesn't have to be complicated or clever. Yes, there are a lot of people involved in the shoot and some expensive equipment, but the most interesting aspect of these videos is that they show the simplicity of the lighting. In this day and age where everyone is going "Strobist-mad" I thought these made a refreshing change!

Part 1/2

Part 2/2

- Thorsten.

I'm not surprised that is used only simple light. If u have prepared all like there what do you need more just take photo.

Interiors, models all prepared so …

 
There is no more than 5 % effort of Photographer unfortunately.

 
Therefore I don’t take to seriously Pirelli Calendar despite I like photographs.

 
There is problem if you have to think about all elements…

Regards Piotr

Wow, cool locations, make  up etc.

I would almost echo Piotr in this case, in that he didn't have to do anything except point the camera. How bad, sometimes I wish I had such luxuries!

Good link just the same.

Extending that logic to the likes of Steve McCurry or James Nachtwey then would imply that their work is of no significance because it could be argued that in much of their work there is no more than 5% effort by the Photographer.

You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but equating effort to great photography is a rather simplistic approach. In fact, it reminds me of my old camera club days where a photograph was often judged on how difficult it was to create rather than on how good it was.

- Thorsten.

Don't get me wrong here, I think the images are great, even though the part of the photographer was minimal. On the other hand, the make up artist, the location scout, the stylist, hair stylist have got together and put in some amount of work into creating the right setting that allows for beautiful imagery.

Absolutely but to second Thorsten, you got to be fair that even 5% in order to achieve this high quality shoot is quite phenomenal. it helps of course if you can afford a 5 digit tag bill for your equipment, perfect dresses, wonderful make-up. But all will come to life only if the 5% of work by that photographer are in perfect harmony and perfectly synchronized. Sounds easy enough but I am sure to attain such results it demands concentration and experience.