Chosen Photographer (Portraits)

Photographer: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz’s photography conveys a complex interplay between celebrity culture and personal narrative. Her intent is often around capturing the essence of her subjects, revealing their vulnerabilities and strengths while critiquing the nature of fame. Her images are stories that reflect the moments in which they were created. For example, her photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken just before Lennon’s assassination, creates a  moment of intimacy that deeply empathises with viewers, transforming it into a symbol of love and loss. Annies Leibovitz’s work often draws from historical and cultural places, enhancing  her portraits with meaning.

Style: Annie Leibovitz often employs a carefully constructed composition that balances subjects in the frame. Her portraits often feature a mix of posed and candid moments, creating a dynamic visual. She likes to use a lot of lighting, often with natural light or a combination of natural and colored lights. This technique adds depth and mood to her images, creating more emotional impact. Many of her photographs convey a sense of intimacy, achieved through her ability to connect with her subjects. This connection allows her to capture natural expressions and moments that connect with her audience.

 I chose these 4 photos because they all have a strong sense of emotion coming from their expressions, whether its anger, love or just a pose it gives an astonishing view to the audience. Theses images inspire me because it evokes strong emotion through the composition and tones, which makes me want to test these lightings and poses.

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