Peter Lindbergh

Peter Lindbergh was born on November 23, 1944, in Leszno, Poland. He grew up in Duisburg, Germany, and later became one of the most renowned fashion photographers in the world, known for his cinematic images and naturalistic style. His work often emphasized the natural beauty and personality of his subjects, challenging the norms of fashion photography.

In 1971, Peter Lindbergh moved to Düsseldorf, Germany, where he studied at the Kunstakademie. This move was pivotal in his early career and development as an artist. It was in Düsseldorf that he began to establish his unique photographic style, which would later become celebrated around the world.

Peter Lindbergh began his career in fashion photography in 1978 after moving to Paris. He quickly became known for his distinct style that emphasized real emotions and the inner beauty of his subjects, rejecting the excessive retouching prevalent in the industry at the time. His approach to photography revolutionized fashion imagery.

In 1988, Peter Lindbergh photographed a now-iconic cover for Vogue featuring five models: Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington. This cover came to define the era of the 'supermodel' and showcased Lindbergh's ability to capture the natural beauty and charisma of his subjects.

In January 1990, Peter Lindbergh shot the British Vogue cover featuring models Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington in white shirts. This cover is credited with launching the era of the supermodels and exemplified Lindbergh's talent in capturing spontaneity and genuine emotion.

In June 1992, a major exhibition of Peter Lindbergh's work was held at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This exhibition was a significant moment in his career, showcasing his impactful work in fashion photography. Lindbergh was celebrated for his ability to transcend the conventions of fashion, exploring deeper themes and narratives through his images.

In September 2015, Peter Lindbergh released his book 'Images of Women II', a compilation of his work from 2005 to 2014. The book highlighted Lindbergh's unique ability to portray women with authenticity and respect. It showcased his commitment to revealing the natural beauty of women, eschewing retouching to focus on character and personality.

In 2016, Peter Lindbergh was chosen to photograph the prestigious Pirelli Calendar for the year 2017. This calendar was notable for its natural approach to the female form, featuring actresses such as Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz in minimal makeup and natural settings. Lindbergh's vision for the calendar was to promote a message of authenticity and real beauty.

On July 6, 2017, the exhibition 'Peter Lindbergh: A Different Vision on Fashion Photography' opened at the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. This retrospective featured over 220 photographs from Lindbergh's expansive career, showcasing his iconic fashion work. The exhibition celebrated Lindbergh's revolutionary approach to photography and his influence on the fashion industry.

Peter Lindbergh passed away on September 3, 2019, at the age of 74. His death marked the end of an era in fashion photography. Lindbergh was remembered for his groundbreaking work that focused on storytelling, humanity, and the timeless beauty of his subjects. His legacy continues to inspire photographers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.