Annie Leibovitz

         Annie Leibovitz is an American photographer and is famous for her portrait photography. Notably, Leibovitz often photographs celebrities, athletes, and public figures in comical, awkward, or revealing poses. Even then, a right of passage into becoming a true "public figure" often includes having a portrait of yourself by Annie Leibovitz. Below are a few of my favorite works done by Leibovitz...

        The first photograph that caught my eye was of "Alice" in a series of Leibovitz's work. Included in her Wonderland series, Annie Leibovitz reimagined illustrations from the original Alice in Wonderland book. Featured above, Alice is squeezed into a small house, and paired with the original book, a rabbits house. In talking about this photo, Annie describes the amount of time and detail that it took to fully recreate a narrative into a working set. I think what makes this image work so well is the model, Natalia Vodianova. In this image, the set itself is darker than the model which makes her entire figure stand out more. The bright, yet dark, blue pops in the image as well fitting a dress that holds many strains, folds, and lines. In addition, the model's position as well as her facial expression fits perfectly to describe the cramped sense of being stuffed into a small room. Overall, the amount of time and specific detail that went into developing this image brings to life the narrative. 

        

        Secondly, seen above, Annie Leibovitz photographed Whoopie Goldberg in an appear tub of milk. Despite being fairly confused, research revealed that the image was inspired by one of Goldberg's personified tv character's attempting to change her skin color to white in a tub of Clorox. Although I've never watched said show, I can understand why this would make an interesting photograph. To me, the milk itself almost blends perfectly into the ceramic tub which gives a sort of void feel, as if Goldberg is essentially jumping out of or maybe even falling into this white mass. The facial expression, despite being unplanned accounting to Leibovitz, fits perfectly with the craziness of laying in a tub of milk. In addition, what continues to catch my eye are the splashed of milk on her arms and legs. From this the specs failing to dot the rest of her limbs, as well as Leibovitz's decision to leave them in, despite capable photoshop abilities, I believe accompanies the story well. After all, the character herself is attempting to change her skin color, and these specs portray this active color change from dark skin to light skin. 

        Lastly, another image that caught my eye was of Ellen DeGeneres. Again, Leibovitz places her model is an awkward position, almost vulnerable in a way. Then, the pale white painted across her face, cigarette pushed between lips, all accompanying a defiant yet questionable facial expression. Ellen DeGeneres is usually known, at least to me, for her bubbly personality, composed and modest nature, and this image portrays quite the opposite. Furthermore, pictured in Hawaii, the lack of colors overall suggest to me the lack of emotion or almost defiant rather than any positive emotion. Her expression conveys a feeling of disgust or frustration. Doing some more research, I found that Ellen DeGeneres came out to the public as gay in 1997, the same year this photograph was captured. Grabbing her breast, white painted across her face, and this background suggest to me a defiant nature against stereotypes or this idea of DeGeneres finally letting go of an image so long shown and instead letting people see who she really is.