Mention the name “Madame Yevonde” to any classic photography enthusiast, and they most likely will recognize her immediately as one of the greatest portrait photographers of the 20th century. Born in London, England in 1891, Yevonde began her career in 1910, when she became the assistant to renowned photographer Lallie Charles. It was under Charles’s tutelage that Yevonde developed her iconic pictorial flair.

Yevonde invested much of her time in experimenting with photographic techniques and equipment, learning how to better capture expression and emotion in her work. She embraced early color photography processes such as Autochrome and replaced vintage portrait backgrounds with dreamy color designs and intricate patterns. By the time World War I began in 1914, Yevonde had become a sought-after photographer for high society figures in London. She even ventured into motion picture photography with a series of sequences she had filmed in Greece.

In 1934, Yevonde experienced another insurgence in popularity when she created a series of photographic portraits for the Empire Marketing Board. Shortly after this new found success, her husband passed away, leaving her with the responsibility of raising their two children and continuing her career. This challenge only made Yevonde more determined to make a name for herself as a woman photographer during this period.

By World War II, Madame Yevonde’s photographs had once again taken center stage due to her dedication to capturing emotion through her work. Due largely to her technical skill, formidable presence, and creative vision she made a name for herself as one of Britain’s most celebrated photographers. Today she is remembered fondly by collectors and admirers all around the world—a testament to the power of Yevonde’s original style and the remarkable woman behind it.

Madame Yevonde was a trailblazing woman in the field of photography. She began her career in 1910 as an assistant to Lallie Charles, a highly acclaimed and widely respected portrait photographer who had a strong pictorial flair.

Charles was known for pushing the boundaries with his portrait photography and Madame Yevonde was inspired by his example. She had an appreciation for lots of colour and a love for capturing vibrant and expressive images. She quickly went from being a simple assistant to producing beautiful and dramatic photography of her own.

Madame Yevonde’s work during this period is often regarded as her most impressive and colourful. She moved away from the traditional black-and-white style of the time; instead seeking to capture the beauty of the people and places she photographed using bright and vivid colours. In doing so, she created beautiful and captivating works of art.

The fruits of her labour soon paid off; earning mutual respect from many luminaries within the art world, not least Lallie Charles who continued to be a great source of inspiration throughout her career.

Madame Yevonde’s career flourished throughout the following decades, leaving behind an impressive portfolio that showed her skill as a photographer. But even more importantly, she left behind an inspiring example for future generations of women photographers. She proved that with passion and dedication, anyone can succeed at what they set out to do, no matter their profession or gender.