Albert Watson

Following his graphic arts training, Albert Watson studied film at the Royal College of Art in London, but ultimately decided to make photography his career. He made a name as portrait photographer, shot publicity photos, made record sleeves, and later concentrated on fashion photography. In 1976, he took up residence in New York and, ever since, has built an enviable reputation around the fashion world. Albert Watson owes his reputation not least to his uncompromising style that has turned him into one of the most successful fashion and commercial photographers in the world. Watson is without question responsible for a number of visual trends that during the seventies, eighties, and nineties became prominent first in the United States and, later on, in Europe as well. His work graced not only the covers of more than 250 Vogue editions, but he also produced extensive promotional material for major campaigns in Rolling Stone, Time, and Vibe. With promotional photos for Gap, Levi's, or Chanel, plus his own projects such as 'Cyclops', Albert Watson resolutely set the tone for new generations of photographers.

Albert Watson has made his mark as one of the world's most successful fashion and commercial photographers during the last four decades, while creating his own art along the way. Over the years, his striking images have appeared on more than 250 covers of Vogue around the world and have been featured in countless other publications, from Rolling Stone to Time to Vibe _ many of the photographs iconic portraits of rock stars, rappers, actors and other celebrities. (Albert was the official Royal Photographer for Prince Andrew's wedding to Sarah Ferguson.)

Albert also has created the photography for hundreds of successful advertising campaigns for major corporations, such as the Gap, Levi's, Revlon and Chanel, and he has directed more than 600 TV commercials. All the while, Albert has spent much of his time working on personal projects, creating stunning images from his travels, from Marrakech to Las Vegas to the Orkneys. Much of this work, along with his well-known portraits and fashion photographs, has been featured in museum and gallery shows around the world. The photo industry bible, Photo District News, named Albert one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time.