Annie Leibovitz by Ian Gavan
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1949, Annie Leibovitz attended the San Francisco Art Institute, where she studied painting and developed her gift in photography. Her career began in 1970 when she started working for the Rolling Stone magazine, eventually becoming the chief photographer.
Annie Leibovitz is most known for her portrait photography and editorial work, most recently for a multitude of Vanity Fair issues since the 80s, yet her work crosses over to fashion. However, her career began as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine, which she eventually became chief photographer for. She went on tour with The Rolling Stones in 1975, work for Vanity Fair in 1980, and launch Numérous exhibitions, beautiful coffeetable books, and collaborations since.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono by Annie Leibovitz for Rolling Stone, 1980
Many of her images have a huge place in our culture today, including the December 8, 1980 image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. While working at the magazine, Annie Leibovitz made a fateful photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, which expressed their loving relationship. Taken 5 hours before his death, it was the last professional photograph of John Lennon. After Rolling Stone, Annie Leibovitz worked for Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines.
Whoopi Goldberg by Annie Leibovitz, 1984
If you ever wondered who captures the genius of the finest people in the world – take a look at the work of the legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz. John Lennon, Demi Moore, Johnny Depp, Adele, Michelle Obama, Jane Goodall, Lupita Nyong’o, the Kardashians, Barack Obama, are just a few of the many names that have been immortalized by her photo camera. Remember Whoopie Goldberg in a bath full of milk, Miley Cyrus and her controversial topless Vanity Fair cover and Queen Elizabeth II for her official Virginia state visit picture? Through the lens of Annie Leibovitz, we see our favourite celebrities in a new light.
Michael Jackson by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair, December 1989
You have to see it to believe it. The work of Annie Leibovitz is fascinating, imaginative and controversial; it portrays the famous like you’ve never seen them before. Annie Leibovitz doesn’t just take snapshots of superstars; she creates timeless portraits and works of art that pay tribute to each outstanding individual. The greatness of her work is in capturing the essence of personality.
Demi Moore bu Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair, August 1991
Whether it’s the signature dance moves of Michael Jackson, or the environmental activist work of Leonardo di Caprio, Annie Leibowitz knows the unique angle from which to present any star. She admits that she never liked the word ‘celebrity’.
I’ve always been more interested in what they do than who they are. I hope my photographs reflect that.
Annie Leibovitz
And they do. She has photographed some of the most exciting faces on the planet. Hollywood’s crème of the crop actors and Oscar winners, political leaders and history makers, supermodels and rock stars, Annie Leibovitz has seen it all, and her photographs are the records of these stories.
…..Andrew Cooper by Annie Leibovitz for Dunhill ICON, May 2015
During her career, Annie Leibovitz photographed numerous celebrities, participated in advertising campaigns, and worked with arts organizations, while also exhibiting her photographs in the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries. She has received numerous awards including the Infinity Award in Applied Photography from the International Center of Photography and was recognized as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. Annie Leibovitz is also a mother of three children and has written several books about her life and career.
Channing Tatum by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair, August 2015
Angelina Jolie by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue US, November 2015
Known for a new style of lighting, bold colours and provocative poses, the work of Annie Leibovitz is breathtaking, thought-provoking and, at times, shocking. These masterpiece photographs tell stories, which redefine the meaning of celebrity. Stars are more than who they appear to be, they are groundbreaking, original achievers that have made a difference.
