David LaChapelle by Kelsey Plantas
David LaChapelle first trained as a fine artist at the North Carolina School of the Arts. After moving to New York, he enrolled at the Art Students League and the School of Visual Arts. While he was still in high school, Andy Warhol hired him to shoot for Interview Magazine.
LaChapelle has photographed an endless list of celebrities. He’s photographed Tupac, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Madonna, Eminem, Lance Armstrong, Elizabeth Taylor, Jeff Koons, Muhammad Ali, Hilary Clinton, etc.
LaChapelle has been the subject of exhibitions in commercial galleries and leading public institutions worldwide. He was recently ranked among the top 10 most important people in photography in the world by American Photo. LaChapelle’s images have appeared in and on the covers of French Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and i-D.
More recently, LaChapelle has expanded his work to music videos, theatrical events, and documentary film-making. The music video for “It’s My Life” by Gwen Stefani won best pop video at the 2004 MTV Music Video Awards, for which LaChapelle won MPVA’s Director of the year award. LaChapelle’s work shows all facets of pop culture today, and is inspired by everything from art history to street culture.
Elton John’s Red Piano tour was designed by LaChapelle. The show reflected Elton John’s interest in art and photography. It also reflected Elton John’s career in a fun way. The stage was filled with oversize objects such as fruits, bright and colorful lights, and the red piano. LaChapelle also made full use of the 120 ft screen that was the backdrop.
Just a few of David LaChapelle’s works:
Rolling Stone Lady Gaga
Elton John
Madonna
