Albert Watson is an internationally acclaimed Scottish photographer and director. He is known for his iconic images of celebrities, fashion, and the arts. He is also a prolific music video director, whose videos for artists such as U2, Madonna, and The Rolling Stones have become iconic.
Watson was born in 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was raised in the city, and his father was a cabinetmaker. He was inspired to pursue photography as a career from an early age, after seeing the work of the renowned portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh.
Watson attended the Royal College of Art in London, where he studied photography. After graduating in 1967, he relocated to New York City, where he began to create his signature style of portraiture. He quickly established himself as one of the world’s leading portrait photographers, shooting covers for magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Rolling Stone.
In the 1980s, Watson moved into directing music videos, and his work has become iconic in the industry. He has directed videos for some of the world’s biggest artists, including U2, Madonna, and The Rolling Stones. He has also directed commercials for major brands such as Nike and Apple.
Watson has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Royal Photographic Society’s Hood Medal in 1989, the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame in 1993, and the International Center of Photography Infinity Award in 1999. His photography has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his work is held in the permanent collections of many institutions.
Albert Watson continues to live and work in New York City, and his work remains as iconic and influential as ever. He is a master of his craft, and his work has been described as a perfect blend of art and commerce.
