Herb Ritts

Herb Ritts (1952-2002) was an American photographer renowned for his striking black and white portraits and his influential role in fashion photography. Ritts had a unique ability to blend the lines between art and commerce, capturing the beauty and simplicity of the human form. His work often featured celebrities, models, and musicians, imbuing them with a timeless elegance and strength. Based in Los Angeles, his photographs were characterized by their clean lines, strong forms, and classical poses, drawing inspiration from Greek sculpture and the natural light of his California surroundings. He acheived succss in commercial publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Rolling Stone, among others, in addition to his fine art practice. Ritts favored the natural landscape as a backdrop for his photographs, relying on the dramatic California sunlight for many of his best known works. Before passing away from AIDS related causes in 2002, Ritts was actively involved in nonprofits like the Elizabeth Tayor AIDS Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.