Appreciating Annie Leibovitz

ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
edited October 6, 2006 in Technique
Recently, Lynn asked me offline to critique a portrait of a woman. As part of my critique, I recommended that she study the work of Annie Leibovitz, paticularly a relatively recent book called "Women". This is a coffee table sized book of portraits of women with a forward by Susan Sontag.

Last night and this morning I followed my own advice and spent some time looking at the images in this book and digging around online for other Leibovitz images ("Women" is the only book of hers I have.) As of this morning, Leibovitz is my second favorite living photographer, only after Irving Penn (who might not be working anymore.)

Leibovitz is most famous for images of counterculture figures, particularly rock stars. These are probably familiar images for boomers:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465755-L.jpg
http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465749-L.jpg

Probably her most famous image is this, taken just hours before John Lennon was shot:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465767-L.jpg

Here's a group shot of The Greatful Dead:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465751-L.jpg

And Louis:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465750-L.jpg

OK, these are dream gigs for any photographer. You really have to get to the top of the heap before someone will let give you a chance to take a photograph of a subject like this, let alone actually pay you to do it. But, I have to be honest, what would I do with such an opportunity? A lot of times I have to dig around pretty hard to find good shots from situations where I really really wanted to shoot some winners. So at least part of being a pro at this level is not blowing the chances you do get. Here is what Leibovitz did with Michael Jordan for a Vanity Fair cover:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465766-L.jpg

I think it's more interesting when a photographer takes a big opportunity like this and then takes a big risk. The John and Yoko shot was an example of this. Here is another:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465760-L.jpg

Or what about this of David Bryne?

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465761-L.jpg

Or Dylan?

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465757-L.jpg

OK, OK, I hear you saying, but these are all pictures of men. That's because I was just providing a little historical background. I don't even think the pictures I've shown so far are Leibovitz's best work. So let's look at some of the images from Women.

How do we think this one would have done in our recent portrait challenge?

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465737-L.jpg

I think one of the issues we have shooting portraits of women has to do with the tension between "glamor" and "truth". In the shot above, she has found great beauty in a very old woman with no makeup. And here she has done it, this time with makeup:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465777-L.jpg

Like Lynn, we are often caught between taking flattering, glamorous portraits and taking honest pictures. It's magical when someone does both, as in this of Blythe Danner and her daughter Gweneth Paltrow:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465747-L.jpg

OK, these are two very beautiful women, even if Blythe Danner is no spring chicken. Leibovitz can also make much more ordinary women in much more ordinary situations look strikingly beautiful:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465743-L.jpg

She can also present women whose achievements have nothing to do with their looks. Justices O'Conner and Ginsburg:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465745-L.jpg

This picture tells me a lot about these two women who must have a very very complex intellectual relationship. (It makes my head spin to think...) Yet, you can see a lot of it here. Ginsburg's body language is articulate. I think she has to listen to O'Conner a lot and has to process it very carefully. I think she is feels in constant danger of being seduced in some way by her more senior and more charming colleague with whom she has deep philosophical disagreements.

This one would have dated from Hillary Clinton's tenure as first lady:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465765-L.jpg

Besides the great use of negative space and color, this picture also tells a lot about an intellectual woman, in this case one cast in some very uncomfortable roles. (Not only was her less than perfect relationship with her husband made very public; she also assumed the first lady role when she herself is a very forceful intellect. She graduated ahead of her husband from Yale Law School.) So she has to look beautiful and she has to be shot in a magnificent setting. But subject and photographer have made sure to present her as an intellectual, and a creative one at that (she is writting, not reading.)

Here is another intellectual woman, this time not a famous one:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465771-L.jpg

She is a rabbinical scholar and I love how her pride in accomplishment and her love of her religion shines through.

Here is Alice Walters, the famous Berkeley, California chef:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465776-L.jpg

Here is a very sensuous woman, though not in a particularly sexual way. Leibovitz has found both glamor and sensuality here far outside the female stereotype. (And talk about negative space!)

She can present the ordinary woman with her family very positively:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465772-L.jpg

And show the victimization of domestic abuse without losing the dignity of her subject:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465775-L.jpg

How does it effect these pictures that the subject is a woman in a typically male role and pose?

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465734-L.jpg

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465741-L.jpg

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465770-L.jpg

All threee would be great pictures with male subjects. I would give my eye teeth to have taken one of them. But the female subjects make us look again and thus futher deepen the interest.

Here is a brave use of a great subject:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465746-L.jpg

What would you do with Martina Navratilova if she would pose for you?

I've shown you about 1/2 of the images I was able to find online. The two links I used are:

http://www.temple.edu/photo/photographers/leibovitz/index.html

which shows a timeline of some of Leibovitz's most famous work, and this:

http://www.nytimes.com/library/photos/leibovitz/contact-sheet.html

which is a rather small collection taken from the book "Women". As is often the case, the best online images don't compare to what you get for about $25 if you buy the book. The book is large and the images are printed beautifully and most are full sized. I think the color in the book is also better.

I'm very glad I took the time to appreciate Annie Leibovitz. For those of you who aren't very familiar with her work, I hope this will serve as sufficient introduction for you to learn more. Of course, other opinions are very welcome.
If not now, when?
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Comments

  • lynnmalynnma Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 5,208 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    Some just wonderful shots and links.. thanks so much Rutt. Inspiring artists to be sure.clap.gif
    website
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    I want to amplify something from my original message. Just cause you can find these images online doesn't mean you don't want to see them in the book. After writing this, I took out the book and looked again. The difference in quality and size results in a very different level of emotional impact for almost every image I found online. And there are tons of great shots in the book that I couldn't find online at all. The picture of Joni Mitchell alone is worth the price of the book.

    The picture of Justices Ginsburg and O'Conner shows crystal clear facial detail in the book. Same for Hillary Clinton.

    Don't want to be a broken record, but this is really a bargain and a must have.
    If not now, when?
  • lynnmalynnma Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 5,208 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    I want to amplify something from my original message. Just cause you can find these images online doesn't mean you don't want to see them in the book. After writing this, I took out the book and looked again. The difference in quality and size results in a very different level of emotional impact for almost every image I found online. And there are tons of great shots in the book that I couldn't find online at all. The picture of Joni Mitchell alone is worth the price of the book.

    The picture of Justices Ginsburg and O'Conner shows crystal clear facial detail in the book. Same for Hillary Clinton.

    Don't want to be a broken record, but this is really a bargain and a must have.
    I ORDERED THE BOOK.. I DID.. rolleyes1.gif
    website
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    Looking at her photos makes me want to weep.......... I have followed her career for over 30 years. Mary Ellen Mark used to be my favorite, now it would be difficult to dispute Liebowitz.

    You know it is funny, though, some photographers inspire me, some just make me want to cry. I know I would never make the choices she did in photographing people..........OK, so I am a small person, but I get very jealous.

    I remember pouring over those photos of the chef just marveling at her choice to show her as a woman, almost romantic.......was that Vanity fair? Sometimes that is why I buy the magazine.

    ginger (No, I don't have her book.........and I don't know if I want it. I do like seeing her in Vanity Fair.) I wanted her book on musicians almost more. Probably because that is not a subject I would screw up, as my association with musicians is very slight.
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 19, 2005
    thanks for a very educational trip through the work of a great photographer! I have seen lots of her more rolling stone type work, but I just found out there's a whole lot more to her.

    Awesome post thumb.gif (I'm sure it took some work and time)
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 19, 2005
    this is my favorite - never would have pegged this as Annie:

    14465770-S.jpg
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    DoctorIt wrote:
    this is my favorite - never would have pegged this as Annie:

    14465770-S.jpg
    Somehow I guessed you wereen't referring to Danner and Paltrow or Ginsburg and O'Conner when you wrote that there was a lot more to her than her rolling stone type work.
    If not now, when?
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    And just in case you thought she was strictly from the lefty counter coulture side of the fence, how about this of Barbara Bush?

    http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14487369-O.jpg

    (Also a thousand times better in the book, where you can see some really brave lighting/focus stuff in the eyes. How do you get those double catch lights?)

    There is a picture of HP CEO Carly Fiorina in the book that I can't find online. It took my breath away. She's in deep shadow in the back of her bizjet and the image has a distinct blue cast. She looks tough as nails and very self possessed. There is an inexplicable and very distinct glint in one eye. Nobody has mistaken Ms Fiorina for a Democrat for a good long while. (Do some research.)

    Here's The Donald and Ivanna in 1988:

    http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/14465762-O.jpg

    I'm not sure of The Donald's politics, but I wanted an excuse to tell a story about this couple. Ivanna was an Olympic skier. The Donald never was and actually wasn't much of a skier at all. They were once spotted skiing together at (where else) Aspen. She was skiing backward in front of him. He was just barely getting down without falling. And she was giving him a piece of her mind.
    If not now, when?
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    Here is a link to a page of her nudes.
    If not now, when?
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited January 19, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    Somehow I guessed you wereen't referring to Danner and Paltrow or Ginsburg and O'Conner when you wrote that there was a lot more to her than her rolling stone type work.
    what can i say, i'm a sucker for smoking tires :D
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    Amazon a little broken tonight, or it's a real bargain
    Amazon is selling the paperback of Women for $10 tonight. It is also having a little trouble with my 1-click orders, so perhaps it is just broken. But $10 for this book new is a steal. And it seems to qualify for free shipping.

    I'll bet it's just broken.
    If not now, when?
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 19, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    Amazon is selling the paperback of Women for $10 tonight. It is also having a little trouble with my 1-click orders, so perhaps it is just broken. But $10 for this book new is a steal. And it seems to qualify for free shipping.

    I'll bet it's just broken.

    i was able to get it, $9.99, with one-click. thanks rutt thumb.gif
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited January 19, 2005
    andy wrote:
    i was able to get it, $9.99, with one-click. thanks rutt thumb.gif

    Me too. Thanks John!
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2005
    Amazing the stuff I did at 3 or 4 AM. I am just remembering. Slept with the dog, or should say the dog slept........

    I ordered the Leibowitz book, because last year at this time it was this price, then at one time I wanted it, and I couldn't find it at this price. So I threw in the battery charger, added the book, used one prize money thing, put 2.00 on my debit card.............and I just remembered that.

    After I did it, I saw another book I had wanted. It is called Wise Women, I don't remember the photographer's name, it is not one I recognize, but I have liked the concept of the book. So I have to go see where these other sale books are hiding. This is a good time of year to get books that they had hoped to sell at Christmas.

    So we can all get together and spill coffee on our Liebowitz books at our new book club. What do you have for next month, Rutt?

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2005
    A little more research led me to Annie Leibovitz's agent's home page which contains an authorized bio and portfolio.
    If not now, when?
  • snapapplesnapapple Registered Users Posts: 2,093 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2005
    Thanks Rutt
    rutt wrote:
    A little more research led me to Annie Leibovitz's agent's home page which contains an authorized bio and portfolio.

    This whole thread is wonderful. You are a gem for doing all this work for us.
    thumb.gif
    "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." - Francis Bacon
    Susan Appel Photography My Blog
  • lynnmalynnma Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 5,208 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    A little more research led me to Annie Leibovitz's agent's home page which contains an authorized bio and portfolio.
    wow.. is all I can say.. wonderful stuff..thanks again.clap.gif
    website
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2005
    Well, sad to say, I sought permission from Annie Leibovitz's agent to use inline images in my post and he denied this request but specifically allowed the use of links. So I have complied.
    If not now, when?
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    Well, sad to say, I sought permission from Annie Leibovitz's agent to use inline images in my post and he denied this request but specifically allowed the use of links. So I have complied.
    I guess I should have either been worse or much better at promoting Women. Given the Amazon discount, perhaps it could use me.
    If not now, when?
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 24, 2005
    gotta love amazon
    "women" by annie l arrived in my mailbox today. best $10 i ever spent :D

    thanks again rutt thumb.gif
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 24, 2005
    andy wrote:
    "women" by annie l arrived in my mailbox today. best $10 i ever spent :D

    thanks again rutt thumb.gif
    OK, now you got the book, tell us, how do you think she got the double catchlights in Barbara Bush's eyes?
    If not now, when?
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 24, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    OK, now you got the book, tell us, how do you think she got the double catchlights in Barbara Bush's eyes?

    i'll be looking at it later and will report back :D
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • GREAPERGREAPER Registered Users Posts: 3,113 Major grins
    edited January 24, 2005
    I ordered the book tonight. (still ten bucks)
    http://dehmphoto.smugmug.com/

  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 25, 2005
    Interesting interview
    http://www.powells.com/authors/leibovitz.html
    If not now, when?
  • lynnmalynnma Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 5,208 Major grins
    edited January 26, 2005
    rutt wrote:
    http://www.powells.com/authors/leibovitz.html
    that IS a very interesting interview Rutt.. my Annie Leibovitz book arrived today and it gave me goosebumps and I had to sit down for a minute.. (breathes) I don't know what to say about these shots.. I was awe struck, releived, thrilled and amazed all at the same time...I may never touch gaussian blur again.. ever.. and I may never shave my legs either..1drink.gif this book scares me, but I have'nt figured out why yet.. I will later. I think every photographer who has any interest at all in photographing women should get this book.. You can get it for like 9 bucks off amazon. I know several people have taken Rutts advice and purchased it.. I'd like to hear their reactions.. I"ts opened up a whole new "thing" for me.. scary...:uhoh
    website
  • dkappdkapp Registered Users Posts: 985 Major grins
    edited January 26, 2005
    I just got mine today too. All I can say is WOW. I've just flipped through the first few pages, but will give it a better look tonight.

    Dave
    http://analog.lifekapptured.com (photoblog)
    http://www.lifekapptured.com (gallery)
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited January 26, 2005
    My husband was very impressed by the book!

    And, Lynn, I think you got just the right lenses. Next time you might want to go even wider.

    I am so acquainted with her work, yes, I am impressed, I can't imagine not being. But there is an old lady, she used to be alive, may be yet, she photographed the south. I am going to try to find one of her books. I remember being very impressed. Maybe we are examining ourselves.

    I did notice, and I hate to say anything........well, I will wait, but she and I have something in common, I think. I just see it in her photography, but I certainly don't mean to compare myself as a photographer with her.

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited January 26, 2005
    ginger_55 wrote:
    But there is an old lady, she used to be alive, may be yet, she photographed the south. I am going to try to find one of her books. I remember being very impressed.
    Eudora Welty

    She died a a few years ago.

    What an amazing picture. The story of that picture is in the interview and is pretty good.
    If not now, when?
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited October 5, 2006
    New Leibovitz book
    has anyone seen it?

    It is very heavy at Barnes and Noble and covered with cellophane.

    I am salivating over it.

    Has anyone actually seen it, the book. I have seen the magazine articles, particularly Newsweek.

    http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Life-1990-2005-Annie-Leibovitz/dp/0375505091/sr=8-1/qid=1160065413/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1088248-6503346?ie=UTF8&s=books

    the link to Amazon........came out tuesday. 45.00

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited October 5, 2006
    There was a very interesting interview with her on All Things Considered Tuesday. You can listen to it and see some of the photos at the NPR web site: here.
    If not now, when?
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