Herb Ritts, a renowned photographer, was born in Los Angeles in the year 1952. He pursued his academic endeavors at Bard College in New York, where he majored in economics. Following his college days, in the mid-1970s, Ritts embarked on an unconventional path, teaching himself the art of photography.
Initially, he snapped pictures of his friends, which inadvertently led him to capture the likeness of a then-unknown Richard Gere, a friend's boyfriend. This chance encounter propelled Ritts into the world of celebrity photography, where he would go on to photograph an array of A-list celebrities, including Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Mick Jagger.
Ritts' exceptional talent and unparalleled access to his subjects enabled him to produce a wide range of iconic photographs. His work frequently appeared in prominent publications, such as Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Rolling Stone. Furthermore, his photographs adorned album covers, including Madonna's True Blue, released in 1986.
Ritts' impressive portfolio also includes advertisements for esteemed brands like Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, the Gap, and Giorgio Armani. He has published books showcasing his remarkable work and has exhibited his photography in galleries and museums.
In addition to his still photography, Ritts has also made a lasting impact in the music industry by directing several iconic music videos. Some of his most notable works include Madonna's "Cherish," Chris Isaak's breakthrough hit "Wicked Game," Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," NSYNC's "Gone," Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't It Funny," Britney Spears' "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know," and Shakira's "Underneath Your Clothes."
