Until the early 1950s, automobile advertising was largely the domain of illustrators – highly skilled artists who created the masterful, lifelike drawings and paintings of new car models that became the full-page ads in popular magazines. That changed dramatically when Walter Farynk at General Motors Photographic and a handful of his contemporaries figured out how to light shiny automobiles in the studio in a way that emulated the most flattering daylight conditions. Walter Farynk (1917-1992) started at GM in 1937 as a darkroom printer and rose through the ranks to become the company’s Department head / chief photographer. He handled everything from executive portraits and annual report photographs to outstanding advertising images. As he approached the end of his career at General Motors, Walter’s passion turned to teaching and he played a major role in educating hundreds of commercial and fine art photographers, including the next generation of car photographers. Jim Secreto narrates a sampling of Walter Farynk’s professional work and pictures of him in action as a teacher.
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You guys are doing GREAT work! Thanks!
You guys are doing GREAT work!
You guys are doing GREAT work! Thanks!
I was fortunate to take a photography class under Walter Farynk about 1972, which I enjoyed. It was an evening continuing education class, not through the Center for Creative Studies. I wish I had known more of his history at that time, to appreciate his perspective. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him. Thanks for this story. John Tatum 5/1/10
Great article! You did a great job! Thank you!