Famous+Photographer

ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

1.Historic Background

Annie Leibovitz (Anna-Lou Leibovitz) was in born on Oct.2, 1949 in Westbury, Conneticut into a close knit Jewish family. She was one of the six children born to Sam, an air-force lieuntenant, and Marilyn Leibovitz, a modern dance instructor. In 1967, Leibovitz enrolled at the San Francisco Art Institute, where she was initially enrolled in painting classes, but then gradually developed a love for photography. She attended a Kibbutz in Amir for several years as she continued to develop her photography skills. In 1970, Annie got a job as a staff photographer for Rolling Stones magazine, and three years later, she became the chief photographer. By the time she left the magazine ten years later, she has shot 142 covers, including the famous one of John Lennon. In 1983, she began to work for Vanity Fair, and in 1998, she joined the staff at Vogue. During the late 1980's, she had also worked on several high profile advertising campaigns. The most notable being the American Express "Membership" campaign, for which her portraits of celebrity cardholders earned her a 1987 clio award.

2.Influence

One of Annie's first influences was from reading the book "The World of Henri Cartier-Bresson". She was very inspired by Robert Frank and Cartier-Bresson's style of personal reportage which was taken in a graphic and composed way. Working for the "Rolling Stone" also influenced her and made her much more conscious of what was being done in magazines. Annie was also influenced by photographer Richard Avedon, who she admired for his ability to "ride both horses" - he worked for magazines, but at the same time did his own work.

3.Style and major genre

Annie leibovitz is considered to be a portrait photographer who is known for photographing high profile celebrities. While working at Rolling Stone, she developed her trademark technique, which involved the use of bold primary colours and surprising poses. She tend to conceal her celebrity subjects behind costume and concept where they become sculpture, theatrical players. Annie does not seem to be interested in capturing the unguarded moment, but rather the staged moment; not the inner life, but the outer image. Instead of stripping away the myths that envelop the celebrities, she exaggerates them. Annie has a unique and electric style, and most of all; she is not afraid to take risks with her photography.

4.Photos

The design elements depth, balance, element relationship, framing are apparent. The girl and the lion contrasts but balances eachother in a good way, while the rose bush nicely frames the two subjects. The subtle lighting gives this photo a soft, almost dreamy effect, which suites the fairy tale theme of this image very well.

The design principles balance, triangles, element relationship are apparent. In this photo, Keith Richards and his guitar compliments each other really well, and seems almost united. The lights rays emmiting from both sides of the room gives a balanced effect, and having the light shine brighter on one side of keith's face gives it more dimension and adds a mysterious effect.

The design elements direction, diagonals, element relationship are apparent. This photo is so well staged it's almost like it's telling a story. The many diagnals in this photo gives it an edgy and futureristc feel. The lighting is well distributed through out the photo, giving it a good balanced effect.

The design elements planes and depth levels, direction are apparent. The girl in this photo appears to be running away from something, and the many planes and depth levels adds to the effect. The levels draws the reader's eye up the stairs to the castle. The luminescent lights shining from the castle gives a heavenly and magical feel to this image.

The design elements direction, balance, framing are apparent in this photo. The two gargoyles in this image contrasts with the lady in the middle, which makes her stand out very well. All three subjects are looking in different directions and this leads the readers eyes all around the image. The soft lighting emmitting from the sky gives this image a dark and mysterious feel, and it nicely highlights the lady and the two gargoyles next to her.

The above pictures are a good represention of this photographers because they are all images of celebrities, which is who Annie Leibovitz is well known for photographing. They are all nicely staged and very creative. Annie's trademark techniques of using bold colours, effective lighting, and surprising poses are also evident in these photos.

Background 20/20 Influences 5/5 Style/Genre 5/5 5 Photos and Description 25/25 Total 55/55