Photographers that Made Celebrities?
When we think about photography and portraiture, and celebrity, do certain images of celebrities come to mind? Of course they do. Unless your mind works in movie clips, images will come directly to mind. Many of these images that define celebrities are shot by infamous celebrity photographers. With distinct styles they can literally launch careers. Since we are devotees to portraiture and like to share inspiration with our audience, we are sharing the Top Icons of Celebrity Photographers. Happy to debate this- reach out here.
Annie Leibovitz - Annie Leibovitz is an iconic celebrity photographer. Her roster of images include John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as the Rolling Stones, which have become some of the most recognizable images in pop culture. Her work is known for its unique and often provocative style.
Richard Avedon - Richard Avedon was a classic American fashion and portrait photographer known for his portraiture which was said to truly capture the essence of his subjects. Raw and unemotional, Avedon produced iconic photos for Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn.
Herb Ritts - Herb Ritts was an American photographer known for more raw images of celebrities such as Madonna, Cindy Crawford, and David Bowie. Largely in black and white with minimalistic backgrounds, the emotion he evokes of his subjects is remarkable.
Terry Richardson - Terry Richardson is a controversial American photographer known for his edgy and often sexually charged images of celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna. While he has been criticized for its explicit content and the treatment of his models on set, this has elicited work that gains wide recognition.
Mario Testino - Mario Testino is a Peruvian fashion and portrait photographer who has arguably made careers. Working with some of the most sought after models and celebrities in the world including Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, and Madonna. He leans into color and captures shadows and depth in a technically perfect way that is also unassuming.
Helmut Newton - Helmut Newton was a German-Australian fashion photographer known for his provocative and often controversial images of celebrities and models. His work often challenged traditional notions of gender and sexuality, and his images have become iconic in the fashion world.
Throughout modern history where there are celebrities, there are the photographers who capture their talent and make them icons. Each of these photographers has had a significant impact on the industry and has helped to shape the way we think about celebrity photography and celebrity. Which came first, the photographer or the celebrity or do they evolve together?
Credits: Herb Ritts