Women's History Month - Featured Artist - Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz: A Pioneer in Photography
To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, we are recognizing the work of acclaimed photographer, Annie Leibovitz.
Born in 1949 in Waterbury, Connecticut, Leibovitz showed an interest in photography from a young age. She studied painting at the San Francisco Art Institute before switching to photography. After working as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, Leibovitz went on to become one of the most iconic photographers of our time.
Leibovitz is known for her stunning portraits of celebrities, politicians, and other notable figures. Her images capture their personalities and inner lives. She’s known for her use of bold colors and dramatic lighting. She creates images that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Serena Williams by Annie Leibovitz
John Lennon & Yoko Ono by Annie Leibovitz
Caitlyn Jenner by Annie Leibovitz
I first became aware of Annie's work when I was a new photographer. Her portrait work always spoke to me and I liked how she pushed the envelope with her pregnant photo of Demi More on the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991.
Leibovitz's famous photograph of Moore pregnant is an iconic image that has been widely celebrated for its bold and provocative approach to maternity photography. The image was controversial at the time, with some critics accusing it of being too explicit and inappropriate for public consumption.
Demi Moore by Annie Leibovitz
Despite it’s notoriety, Leibovitz didn’t see the iconic image of Moore as her best work.
““It was a popular picture and it broke ground, but I don’t think it’s a good photograph per se, it’s a magazine cover. If it were a great portrait, she wouldn’t be covering her breasts. She wouldn’t necessarily be looking at the camera.””
This image also launched my career. I had started photographing nudes of women and Leibovitz studio started making referrals to me for non-celeb clients who were pregnant. My maternity work took off after that. I am so grateful to have had this happen in my life.
Leibovitz’s work has been featured in countless magazines, books, and exhibitions. She has won numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts and the International Center of Photography’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Photographic Society.
In addition to her work as a photographer, Leibovitz has also been an advocate for women in the arts. She has spoken out about the need for more women in leadership roles and has mentored young female photographers.
Leibovitz’s work has had a profound impact on the field of photography and has helped to pave the way for other women to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her images continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and her legacy as a trailblazer in photography is one that will be remembered for generations to come.