Photographer of the week

 

Annie Leibovitz

American artist and photographer Annie Leibovitz attended the San Fransisco Art Institute with an intent on studying painting. After a trip to Japan she discovered an interest in taking photographs. She spent time on a kibbutz ( ) in Israel which allowed her to hone her skills further. In 1970 she approached the editor of the Rolling Stone Magazine and she impressed Jann Wenner with her portfolio and was given her first assignment: Shoot John Lennon. Leibovitz's black-and white portrait of the shaggy-looking Beatle graced the cover of the January 21, 1971 issue. Two years later she was named Rolling Stone chief photographer.

Among some of her subjects included Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Patti Smith. While on the road with the band she produced her iconic black-and-white photographs of Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, shirtless and gritty. In 1980 Rolling Stone Magazine sent Annie to photograph John Lennon and Yoko Ono, her vision was to photograph them both nude. Yoko had refused to take off her clothing and this resulted in a very profound image. Hours later John Lennon was shot in front of his apartment. The photograph ran on the cover of the Rolling Stone Lennon commemorative issue. It was also named the best magazine cover from the past 40 years.

Her recent book "photographers life 1990-2005"

includes all of the famous photos and some of her personal images of her as a child, her family and interests.