“Dali Atomicus” Philippe Halsman, 1948

Philippe Halsman was the only photographer who made his career taking the pictures of people while jumping. He was sure that when the person jumps during shooting, he involuntary displays his inner nature. So, hardly we can deny this statement, looking at the picture with Salvador Dali called “Dali Atomicus”
6 hours, 28 jumps, the room full of assistants, throwing up the bucket with water, and furious cats – that was the birth of this outstanding picture. “Leda Atomica” – unfinished surrealistic masterpiece is on the background. At first Halsman wanted to spill the milk, but not water. But during the post war period it was too scornful attitude toward the foodstuff.

The pictures of jumping celebrities made by Halsman appeared at seven covers of Life and made gave rise to the new type of portraits – without obligatory statics.