Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz was born on October 2, 1949 in Westbury, Connecticut to her mother Marilyn and father Sam.  In 1967 Annie enrolled at the San Francisco Art Institute. At the institute she studied painting but was introduced to photography.  This is when she realized she had a love for photography.  Then in 1970 she applied for her first job with Rolling Stone Magazine.  They were extremely impressed with her portfolio and offered her a job as a staff photographer.  Just two years with Rolling she was promoted to chief photographer.  Here she picked up her trademark technique, the use of bold primary colors and surprising poses.  She left Rolling Stone about ten years later to work for the entertainment magazine Vanity Fair.  She had the opportunity to shoot a larger variety of subjects.  Some of these subjects included presidents, literary icons, and teen heartthrobs.  Her photographer causes a lot of controversy but I feel like she strives for controversy. She allows sitters to become involved in her work and I think that is very interesting she is very open to ideas and suggestions to help herself get the most successful shot.  Some of the photos shot that caused controversy were Demi Moore when she was very pregnant.  This was a cover on Vanity Fair and many people thought it was ridiculous and strange to see.  Many stores took the magazine out and wouldn’t sell it.  But Demi herself loved the photo and said she felt sexy and powerful.  Another one was of Whoopi Goldberg submerged in a bath tub of milk.  Along with working for Vanity Fair she also worked on some high- profile advertising campaigns.  She did the American Express “Membership” campaign which was portraits of celebrity cardholders.  She also earned a Clio Award.  Annie has many accomplishments and has really made a name for herself. Many people want to be photographed by her because she is Annie Leibovitz.