Annie Leibovitz

 "I sometimes find the surface interesting. To say that the mark of a good portrait is whether you get them or get the soul - I don't think this is possible all of the time."

Annie Leibovitz wasn't always Annie, as a child she was known as Anna-Lou. Growing up in Connecticut, she moved to California to attend the San Francisco Art Institute. Though she began studying painting, she soon developed a deep passion for photography. 

 

There are many different kinds of photographers. Some are more photojournalistic, documenting the moments and memories as they happen. Portrait photographers sometimes set their sights at the soul of the sitter, rather than the sight, while others focus on the outward appearance. There are nature, fashion, macro, animal, advertisement, the list of possible approaches to the world through the lens of a camera goes on and on. 

 

In Annie's work I see a bit of that beginning as a painter. Annie's trademark is bold colors and surprising poses. This also hints at a background in painting, filling the picture plane with bright colors and bold moves. She loves to set the scene. Many of her portraits are interactive, forcing the sitter to be a part of the photo, not just in the photo. A great example of this is her famous portrait of the late artist Keith Haring. He painted himself like one of his own canvasses for the portrait. 

 

Many of Annie's photos are set in elaborate portraits. It isn't just a picture, it's an entire production, lights, camera, and action. She recently did an entire series for Disney Theme Parks, featuring celebrities as well-known and adored Disney characters. The sets are incredible, the behind-the-scenes photos as amazing as the final product. 

 

Some of her work is more simplistic, some is controversial. One of her most famous works features Yoko Ono and John Lennon, John is nude, wrapped around Yoko's clothed form. This simple photo is without dramatic props or colors, but it shows the relationship between the two clearly. Another simple, more recent, photo, was the controversial nude photo of Miley Cyrus. While Annie viewed the photo as a beautiful, natural photo of the then fifteen-year-old star, fans, or rather the mothers of fans, were not as thrilled with the image. 

 

The masterfully created photographs bring moments and people to life. Annie's Disney photoshoot being a prime example. Moments previously only experienced through cartoon characters suddenly become real, experienced, appreciated, and loved by many. They're images I found on Pinterest many times, never realizing they were the creative expression of such a talented photographer.

Annie Leibovitz is not “just a photographer.” She is truly an artist, creating beautiful sets and forming imaginative and highly creative images. Her talent and skill allows her not just to document a moment, but to create the moment.