Herb Ritts
Batman (Back), 1988
One of the top American photographers of his generation, Herb Ritts captured celebrity portraits, nudes, and images of fashion models, developing a distinct style that trod a line between art and commerce. Drawing inspiration from photographers including Philippe Halsman and Edward Weston, as well as classical artists and the landscape and quality of light on the West Coast, Ritts favored clean lines, strong forms, and striking shadows. He shot supermodels such as Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, and took iconic photographs of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, often challenging conventional notions of race and gender. Ritts worked on numerous high-profile advertising campaigns in his lifetime, and shot portraits and fashion for Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Interview Magazine.
One of the top American photographers of his generation, Herb Ritts captured celebrity portraits, nudes, and images of fashion models, developing a distinct style that trod a line between art and commerce. Drawing inspiration from photographers including Philippe Halsman and Edward Weston, as well as classical artists and the landscape and quality of light on the West Coast, Ritts favored clean lines, strong forms, and striking shadows. He shot supermodels such as Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, and took iconic photographs of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, often challenging conventional notions of race and gender. Ritts worked on numerous high-profile advertising campaigns in his lifetime, and shot portraits and fashion for Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Interview Magazine.
