Herb Ritts was born in Los Angeles in 1952.

He began his photographic career in the late 1970s and gained a reputation as a master of art and commercial photography. In addition to producing portraits and editorial fashion for Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview and Rolling Stone, Ritts also created successful advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Donna Karan, Gap, Gianfranco Ferré, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Levi’s, Pirelli, Polo Ralph Lauren, Valentino among others.

In the late 1980’s he began directing numerous influential and award-winning music videos and commercials. His fine art photography has been the subject of exhibitions worldwide, with works residing in many significant public and private collections including the J. Paul Getty Museum and the MFA Boston, amongst others.

In his life and work, Ritts was drawn to clean lines and strong forms. This graphic simplicity allowed his images to be read and felt instantaneously. They often challenged conventional notions of gender or race. Social history and fantasy were both captured and created by his memorable photographs of noted individuals in film, fashion, music, politics and society.    

Herb Ritts’ fashion photographs celebrated natural beauty incorporating his local Los Angeles environment. His pictures appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone and he worked with numerous designers including Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren. His portraits of supermodels, celebrities, musicians and actors have been exhibited in group and solo exhibitions internationally.

(credit - Hamiltons Gallery)