Juergen Teller

Stephanie Seymour Marc Jacobs shoe campaign, New York

2001

Chances are you've seen the work of Juergen Teller without realizing it — an icon in the world of fashion photography, he is known for his gritty and realistic style. Teller’s photos brim with emotion and evoke a sense of spontaneity. Among the many celebrity portraits that the German lensman has shot are Kanye West, Kate Moss and Cindy Sherman.

Teller was born in 1964 in Erlangen. He attended the Munich State Academy for Photo Design (now part of the Munich University of Applied Sciences). After completing his studies at the age of 22, he moved to London to begin a career in photography. There, Teller developed a recognizable style that evokes authenticity and freedom. He is known for frequently using a bright flash for overexposed images that capture the subject in a realistic light. His photographs have a candid feel, and, in contrast to most commercial photography, his pictures are never retouched. Teller also prefers to stick to isolated surroundings and casual poses. "The simplest ideas are mostly the best," he told the Financial Times.

Teller rose to prominence in 1996 when he photographed American model Kristen McMenamy for Süddeutsche Zeitung magazine. A campaign followed for Marc Jacobs, with whom Teller would collaborate for years. He has since worked with designers like Vivienne Westwood and Yves Saint Laurent and celebrities such as Björk, Winona Ryder and Sofia Coppola. Teller’s ads for Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Celine and others helped build the luxury brands into the global powerhouses they are today.

Teller has exhibited his work around the world, including at Le Consortium in France, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, the Vivienne Westwood Showroom in New York and Museo Pignatelli in Italy. His work is also held in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Centre Pompidou and many more. Teller currently lives and works in London.

Find original Juergen Teller photography on 1stDibs.