Week 6 Annie Leibovitz - Review of Photography exhibition

Photography of Annie Leibovitz 

Born October 2, 1949, Annie Leibovitz has lived out her long term career as a celebrity photographer, establishing the basis of her career as a staff photographer of Rolling Stones magazine in 1970, and in a brief three year period  as a result of her famed photographs of the Rolling Stone's members themselves (1971-1972), was awarded chief of Chief Photographer of the company, a title which she held until 1983. For ten years Annie Leibovitz contributions to Rolling Stone defined set the foundational characteristic's and personality of the magazine franchise for the present and future, as well as an infamous reputation for catching the 'behind the scenes' reality of holly wood and British celebrities, revealing their true colours, through power of image, to the world. Throughout this period, Leibovitz, found herself immersed in the lifestyles of the famed clients she photographed, including the radical life style of the Stones, as her primary aim in her practise was to capture the true nature character of her subjects, and thus was looked to photographer such as Robert Franks and Henri Cariter Bresson as her main influences. 

On December 8, 1980, Annie Leibovitz, perhaps most famed and heart warming, yet controversial work was formed, out of a photo shoot with John Lennon and the love of his life, Yoko Onno. Aiming for a look that reflected the romance of the 'Double Fantasy' album cover, Annie had Beatles legend Lennon curled up, but naked, upon his clothed wife, embracing her passion and love. In tribute to Lennon's assassination five hours later, Annie kept her promise with him and setting the photograph they had created in the photo shoot, on the front page of the Rolling Stones. 

Leibovitz's signature photographic style underwent a serious change in the 1980s, moving from her more radical and cheeky photographs for the 'Rolling Stones', to a more sophisticated and stylised approach, as a result of her exploration and newly found interest in tonal contrast through concentrated lighting, and the projection of glamour through elegant and innovative poses, and bold colours. During this period Leibovitz worked with various celebrities for Vanity Fair magazine, a considerable transition from 'Rolling Stones', focusing on materialism and glamour figures, as well as an international advertising campaign for American  Express, winning her a Clio award in 1987. 

From the 90s onwards, Leibovtiz continued, and will continue to explore the power of photography in creating narrative and prowess around celebrity figures, as well as shining a light of truth and genuity upon her subjects, one that delves deep into his or her life to bring across emotion whilst maintaining a shroud of mystery.