Peter Lindbergh was a German fashion photographer and film director known for his evocative black and white images and his distinctive, naturalistic style. He was born in Lissa, Germany (now Leszno, Poland) and grew up in Duisburg, Germany. He studied photography in Munich and worked as a photographer's assistant in Dusseldorf before moving to Paris in 1978 to start his career as a fashion photographer.
Once upon a time, the photographer had to have an idea, not just click the shutter. -- Peter Lindbergh
Lindbergh's photographs appeared in numerous international fashion magazines, including
Vogue,
Harper's Bazaar, and
Elle. He also worked with many of the world's leading fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior, and Armani. His images are known for their timeless quality and for the way they capture the spirit and personality of his subjects.
In addition to his work in fashion,
Peter Lindbergh also directed several films and documentaries, including the documentary
Models, which explored the world of fashion modeling, and the film
Pollution, which examined environmental issues.
Peter Lindbergh was also active in humanitarian causes, using his talent and influence to raise awareness about social and political issues. He was a member of the
American Association of Physicians for Human Rights and worked with
Amnesty International on a campaign against the death penalty.
When you do portrait photography it really can be quite insane. It’s crazy what is possible today. Photoshop is a huge tragedy in that respect as well, no question! -- Peter Lindbergh
Lindbergh was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the German Bambi award. He was also inducted into the German Photography Hall of Fame in 2003.
Peter Lindbergh passed away on September 3, 2019 at the age of 74. His work continues to be exhibited and celebrated around the world.
