Albert Watson

Albert Watson is a renowned Scottish photographer. His unique perspective and creative vision have made him one of the most influential and successful photographers of his generation.

Albert Watson's illustrious career as a photographer boasts an impressive portfolio, including over 100 covers for Vogue and 40 covers for Rolling Stone magazine since the mid-1970s. 

Biography of Albert Watson

Albert Watson was born in 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied graphic design at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee and film and television at the Royal College of Art in London. Though blind in one eye since birth, he studied photography as part of his curriculum.

In 1970, Albert Watson emigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities to pursue his burgeoning career. Initially settling in Los Angeles, he embarked on the early stages of his professional journey. Later that year, Albert Watson was introduced to an art director at Max Factor, who offered him his first test session. As a result, the company acquired two of his captivating images. 

In 1973, Albert Watson captured his first iconic image of Alfred Hitchcock. This striking portrait, featured in Harper's Bazaar's Christmas issue, depicted Hitchcock holding a deceased goose adorned with a ribbon around its neck. 

In 1976, Watson's ambitions led him to New York City, a bustling hub of creativity and the epicenter of the photography industry.

In 1995, Albert Watson received an honorary degree from the University of Dundee. This prestigious recognition further solidified his status as a distinguished artist in his native Scotland. In 2006, Watson was inducted into the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame.

His first exhibition in his homeland, "Frozen," was held at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh in 2006. The show allowed Scottish audiences to witness the brilliance of Watson's work up close and celebrate his exceptional talent.

Albert Watson's art style

Albert Watson's extraordinary work encompasses diverse subjects, demonstrating his unparalleled versatility and artistic prowess. His portfolio includes captivating portraits of iconic figures such as Alfred Hitchcock and Steve Jobs, capturing their essence with depth and intrigue. He also captured the ethereal beauty of supermodel Kate Moss.

In addition to his mastery of portraiture and fashion photography, Watson has ventured into the realm of landscapes, capturing the vibrant energy and allure of Las Vegas. Through his lens, he skillfully transforms the city's unique ambiance into mesmerizing visual narratives.

Albert Watson has also created numerous Hollywood movie posters, leaving an indelible mark on the visual representation of these iconic films. Among the notable movies that have featured Watson's captivating imagery are "Kill Bill" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." 

Artistic Achievements and Recognition

In 2010, Albert Watson was honored with The Royal Photographic Society's esteemed Centenary Medal and Honorary Fellowship (HonFRPS).In June 2015, Albert Watson received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for "services to photography." Other awards include a Cartier Lifetime Achievement Award, Lucie Award, three Andys, a Der Steiger Award, and a Hasselblad Masters Award. 

Albert Watson's illustrious career has been marked by numerous solo exhibitions held in esteemed museums worldwide. His captivating works have graced the walls of renowned institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in Milan, Italy; the KunstHausWien in Vienna, Austria; the City Art Centre in Edinburgh; the Fotomuseum in Antwerp, Belgium; the NRW Forum in Düsseldorf, Germany; Fotografiska in Stockholm, Sweden; and the Deichtorhallen in Hamburg, Germany.