By Britt Perkins
She’s a photographer, but has stepped from behind her equipment to become an icon. Written, directed and filmed by her sister Barbara as a gift to their mother, the film intersperses Leibovitz’s childhood and early career with behind-the-scenes footage of some of her latest work for Vanity Fair.
The photographer started her career in 1967 and shortly after started working for the fledling Rolling Stone. Her creative process is documented and is clearly transformed as Annie grows up in the music scene of the 70s, on tour with the Rolling Stones and melting into their lifestyle.
Almost everyone (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Whoopi Goldberg, Demi Moore, etc.) who speaks about Leibovitz is in awe of her talent and body of work.
They did, however, include comments from one photography critic who seemed decidedly unimpressed with the photos. With a gray bob and conservative books shadowing her face, she contended the idea that people thought Anni Leibovitz had “captured them” was an illusion.
Funnily enough, Leibovitz seemed to echo this sentiment.
Life is complex, she explains. A photograph is just one moment.
This humility may be why she is so great.
But again. She does capture something more than just a body.
People believe she sees them, and she does see them. She doesn’t try to be seen.
Tags: Annie Leibovitz • high • Life Through a Lens