Annie Leibovitz’s Top 10 Photos: Iconic Portraits You Need to Know

Annie Leibovitz is an iconic American portrait photographer, best known for her intimate, bold, and often provocative portraits of celebrities. Over the years, she has photographed a wide range of notable figures, from political leaders to musicians, actors, and athletes. Born in 1949 in Waterbury, Connecticut, she gained fame as the chief photographer for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s, capturing some of the most defining images of rock and roll history. She continues to regularly contribute to prestigious publications like Vanity Fair and Vogue. Her work is influenced by Richard Avedon and Henri Cartier-Bresson, and the holiday photos she took during her childhood sparked her interest in photographs.Leibovitz’s photos are characterized by a rich, cinematic style, often blending elements of fashion photography with fine art. 

Today, Artsper lets you discover its 10 most iconic photos.

1. Whoopi Goldberg

A well-known photograph by Leibovitz depicts comedian Whoopi Goldberg immersed in a milk bath. One of Goldberg’s stage routines, in which she portrays a young black girl who washes her skin with Clorox in an effort to appear white, served as the inspiration for the image. The shoot needed gallons of milk, which were dumped into a bathtub after being warmed in pots on the stove. Goldberg then slipped in the bath and stuck out her tongue.

2. Demi Moore

Annie Leibovitz’s 1991 Vanity Fair portrait of nude, pregnant Demi Moore was groundbreaking, redefining beauty and femininity by showcasing pregnancy as bold and glamorous. While controversial for its intimate nature, the photo shifted media perceptions of pregnancy, celebrating it as powerful and beautiful. It remains an iconic moment in Leibovitz’s career and one of the most memorable celebrity portraits ever.

3. Yoko Ono and John Lennon

December 8, 1980, marks the tragic day John Lennon was shot and killed in New York City. Just hours before his death, Annie Leibovitz captured his final photo: Lennon, naked, curled up against Yoko Ono Originally intended for the album Two Virgins, the image was later published as the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, becoming an iconic and poignant tribute to the former Beatle.

4. Leonardo Di Caprio

Leonardo DiCaprio was undoubtedly the heartthrob of the late nineties. Indeed he captured the attention of millions with his roles in Romeo & Juliet and Titanic. His iconic 1997 Vanity Fair black and white portrait with a swan perfectly captures his youthful allure. This shoot marked the moment DiCaprio transitioned from indie darling to Hollywood A-lister.

5. Queen Elizabeth

Annie Leibovitz’s famous portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was taken in 2007, as part of a special assignment for Vanity Fair. This series of photographs marked a rare and intimate moment with the British monarch. Indeed, the photo is notable for their more human and intimate qualities, presenting a side of the Queen that was seldom exposed to the public. This was quite a departure from the usual official portraits of the monarchy, and many praised Leibovitz for her ability to capture the Queen’s personality and presence in such a unique way.

6. Louise Bourgeois

A face became interesting after 65 years… Annie Leibovitz’s photographs of artist Louise Bourgeois, taken in 1997, are some of the most intimate and evocative portraits in the photographer’s extensive body of work. The photo of Louise Bourgeois is not just a portrait but an extension of the artist’s own vision, revealing the emotional depth and complexity of Bourgeois herself. This image allowed viewers to connect with the artist in a way that few portraits do, offering a rare glimpse into the life and mind of one of the most influential contemporary artists of the 20th century.

7. Angelina Jolie

The 2011 Louis Vuitton Journey campaign, featuring Angelina Jolie and photographed by Annie Leibovitz, blended luxury, fashion, and personal exploration.The advertisement was shot in Cambodia, a country close to Jolie’s heart. Leibovitz’s cinematic approach captured Jolie’s emotional depth, emphasizing the journey as an exploration of self. At the same she highlights the sophistication of Louis Vuitton’s luggage and accessories.

8. Vogue Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld

Annie Leibovitz’s cover shoot for Vogue in May 2023 paid tribute to the iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld ahead of the Met Gala. The cover featured ten top models, including Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner, dressed in Lagerfeld’s iconic creations. The shoot, captured at the Palais Royal in Paris, showcased a mix of models representing Lagerfeld’s creative influence on the fashion world. This special edition of Vogue highlighted Lagerfeld’s legacy through his fashion and the personal stories of those who worked with him​.

9. Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

The 2018 Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue cover, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, was a star-studded affair featuring some of the most iconic figures in Hollywood at the time. The cover included major talents such as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Zendaya and many more. Leibovitz’s composition captured the power and elegance of these Hollywood luminaries. It blends them into a collective moment that evoked both a sense of glamour and an enduring legacy of stardom.

10. Meryl Streep

Annie Leibovitz’s 1981 Rolling Stone cover of Meryl Streep, featuring the actress with a painted white face and exaggerated expressions, highlighted themes of transformation and adaptability. Reflecting Streep’s versatility, the innovative concept stemmed from her discomfort with traditional portraits. The image became iconic, showcasing both Streep’s theatricality and Leibovitz’s talent for capturing unique aspects of her subjects.

Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential and celebrated photographers of the modern era, who is often praised for blending art and storytelling. Visit Artsper to discover other contemporary photographers.