Photographer Crushes: Steven Meisel

Posted by emma.z in

Having a fashion background, it's only natural that my love of photography began with the work of legendary photographer Steven Meisel. Most notably known for shooting every cover of Vogue Italia since 1988, Meisel has also shot influential campaigns for Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. Some of his more memorable works include his steamy and controversial work for Calvin Klein Jeans S/S 09, and his collaboration with long time friend Madonna for her coffee table book, Sex.

The reason I most love Meisel's work is for his ability to overly sexualize any situation, and to do so in ways that are innovative, captivating, and at times, trashy/slummy, which I think is great. I dare say he is solely responsible for desensitizing a few generations of Vogue readers. Meisel's work often has cultural and historical references; his ability to tell a story through a photograph is undeniable, and is in my opinion the reason he has been able to stay so relevant throughout his career.

Some of my favorites, and a sampling of the genius that is Steven Meisel:

State of Emergency, Vogue Italia September 2006; Photographer: Steven Meisel