Biography

Herb Ritts began his photographic career in the late 70s and gained a reputation as a master of art and commercial photography. In addition to producing portraits and editorial fashion for Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview and Rolling Stone, Ritts also created successful advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Donna Karan, Gap, Gianfranco Ferré, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Levi's, Pirelli, Polo Ralph Lauren, Valentino among others. Since 1988 he directed numerous influential and award winning music videos and commercials. His fine art photography has been the subject of exhibitions worldwide, with works residing in many significant public and private collections.

 

In his life and work, Herb Ritts was drawn to clean lines and strong forms. This graphic simplicity allowed his images to be read and felt instantaneously. They often challenged conventional notions of gender or race. Social history and fantasy were both captured and created by his memorable photographs of noted individuals in film, fashion, music, politics and society.
 

Ritts was committed to HIV/AIDS related causes, and contributed to many charitable organizations, among them amfAR, Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Project Angel Food, Focus on AIDS, APLA, Best Buddies and Special Olympics . He was also a charter member on the Board of Directors for The Elton John Aids Foundation.

Works
  • Untitled, Nude I, Miami
    Herb Ritts
    Untitled, Nude I, Miami, 1997
  • Herb Ritts photograph of nude woman's body in sand, Paradise Cove
    Herb Ritts
    Carré in Sand (Detail), Paradise Cove, 1988
  • Herb Ritts photograph of man upside down mid air, in a backflip in Paradise Cove
    Herb Ritts
    Backflip, Paradise Cove, 1987
  • Christy Turlington - Valentino, Miami (k)
    Herb Ritts
    Christy Turlington - Valentino, Miami (k), 1995
  • Herb RItts photograph of female torso with black sand, Hawaii
    Herb Ritts
    Female Torso with Black Sand, Hawaii, 1989
  • Herb Ritts photograph of male model Stephano, nude, seated, in Milan
    Herb Ritts
    Stephano Seated, Milan, 1985
  • Cindy Crawford, Costa Careyes
    Herb Ritts
    Cindy Crawford, Costa Careyes, 1998
  • Jackie Joyner Kersee, Pointe Dume
    Herb Ritts
    Jackie Joyner Kersee, Pointe Dume, 1987
  • Neith with Shadows (Front), Poundridge
    Herb Ritts
    Neith with Shadows (Front), Poundridge, 1985
  • Cindy Crawford - Versace, El Mirage
    Herb Ritts
    Cindy Crawford - Versace, El Mirage, 1990
  • Christy Turlington's torso in black bikini bottoms underwater by Herb Ritts
    Herb Ritts
    Christy - Underwater, Los Angeles, 1987
  • Nude female torso with black veil against beach background, by Herb Ritts
    Herb Ritts
    Female Torso with Veil, Paradise Cove, 1984
  • Wrapped Torso, Los Angeles
    Herb Ritts
    Wrapped Torso, Los Angeles, 1989
Exhibitions
News