More about Albert Watson: A Legacy in Photography

Iconic Portraits and Diverse Portfolio
Albert Watson’s iconic fashion photography and portraits of famous personalities like Steve Jobs, David Bowie, Alfred Hitchcock, Kate Moss, Sade, and Tupac Shakur have woven into the fabric of our cultural visual language. Over the last 45 years, Watson has captured some of the most recognizable portraits, yet these celebrated images are merely a glimpse into his extensive portfolio. His work's diversity and breadth remain unparalleled.

Accolades and Honors
Watson has received numerous accolades, including a Lucie Award, a Grammy Award, three Andys, a Der Steiger Award, a Hasselblad Masters Award, and the Centenary Medal, a lifetime achievement award from the Royal Photographic Society. In June 2015, he was honored with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his significant contributions to photography.

Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Watson pursued graphic design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and film and television at the Royal College of Art in London. Despite being blind in one eye since birth, he included photography in his studies.

A Distinctive Style Emerges
In 1970, Watson and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to the United States, where he began his photography career, initially as a hobby, in Los Angeles. That year, a chance encounter with an art director at Max Factor led to his first professional shoot, marking the beginning of a distinctive style that would soon catch the attention of American and European fashion magazines.

The Power of Visual Language
Watson's journey continued as he navigated between Los Angeles and New York, capturing the essence of celebrities and fashion with a unique visual language characterized by its brilliance, urgency, and even grandeur. His photographs, known for their power and technical virtuosity, range from Scottish forests to high fashion and iconic portraits, all bearing the unmistakable mark of Albert Watson.

A Workaholic's Archive
Albert's dedication to perfection has established him as one of the most sought-after photographers globally. His Manhattan studio archives hold millions of images, documenting a career that spans across famous magazines and brands. Watson's studio doubles as a personal gallery, showcasing large-format photographs, many of which depict Las Vegas landscapes, interiors, and portraits, surprising viewers with their soft, filtered color range.

Global Recognition and Exhibitions
Watson's work has adorned over 100 Vogue covers worldwide and featured in numerous publications. He has created advertising campaigns for major brands and shot numerous Hollywood movie posters, alongside directing over 100 television commercials.

Artistic Contributions and Publications
Dedicated to art projects, Watson's photography has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, capturing everything from snake charmers in Morocco to dramatic Scottish landscapes. His publications, including "Cyclops," "Maroc," "Albert Watson," "Strip Search," and "UFO: Unified Fashion Objectives," culminate in "Kaos," released by Taschen in fall 2017.

Permanent Collections and Legacy
Watson's solo exhibitions have been displayed in prestigious venues across the globe, contributing significantly to the art world with his unique perspective and photographic mastery. His work is held in the permanent collections of several major museums, underscoring his impact on contemporary photography and visual art.