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Michael Ochs Photography

American, 1943-2025
Michael Ochs was an influential American photographer best known for capturing the worlds of music, film, and popular culture from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Born in Austin, Texas, in 1943 he developed a deep passion for music and media early in life. He attended Adelphi University and later earned a B.A. in radio and television writing from Ohio State University in 1966. He began his career documenting rock musicians, counterculture figures, and major cultural events, gaining unique access to artists at the height of their creativity. Ochs photographed legendary figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, David Bowie, and the Rolling Stones, creating images that helped define the visual identity of rock music during that era. In addition to his work as a photographer, Ochs became a respected photo archivist and historian. He eventually sold his vast collection—millions of images documenting entertainment history—to Getty Images, where it became known as the Michael Ochs Archives. His photographs have since been widely published, exhibited, and used in books, documentaries, and album covers around the world. Overall, Ochs’s photography work is especially valued for its candid, behind-the-scenes feel, which offers a more personal look at famous artists beyond staged publicity photos. His images capture not only the stars themselves but also the mood, fashion, and cultural energy of the time. Through both his photography and archival efforts, Michael Ochs has played a major role in preserving the visual history of rock and popular culture.
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Artist: Michael Ochs
Marilyn Candid Moment (1955) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print

Marilyn Candid Moment (1955) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print

By Michael Ochs

Located in London, GB

Marilyn Candid Moment (1955) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print (Photo by Ed Feingersh/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) NEW YORK - MARCH 1955: Actress Marilyn Monroe reads the book "To ...

Category

1950s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Black and White, Silver Gelatin

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 30
Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 30

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 30

By Michael Ochs

Located in San Rafael, CA

Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...

Category

1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1967, 20, 2 x 25, 3 cm
The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1967, 20, 2 x 25, 3 cm

The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1967, 20, 2 x 25, 3 cm

By Michael Ochs

Located in Cologne, DE

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the mo...

Category

1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Black and White, Silver Gelatin

The Beatles, Black and White Photography, Studio Shoot, 1967, 20, 2 x 15 cm
The Beatles, Black and White Photography, Studio Shoot, 1967, 20, 2 x 15 cm

The Beatles, Black and White Photography, Studio Shoot, 1967, 20, 2 x 15 cm

By Michael Ochs

Located in Cologne, DE

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the mo...

Category

1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1960s, 22, 2 x 25, 2 cm
The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1960s, 22, 2 x 25, 2 cm

The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1960s, 22, 2 x 25, 2 cm

By Michael Ochs

Located in Cologne, DE

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the mo...

Category

1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Black and White, Silver Gelatin

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 30 x 40
Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 30 x 40

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 30 x 40

By Michael Ochs

Located in San Rafael, CA

Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...

Category

1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 24
Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 24

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 24

By Michael Ochs

Located in San Rafael, CA

Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...

Category

1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

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Previously Available Items
Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Limited Edition Photographic Print, 20 x 16
Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Limited Edition Photographic Print, 20 x 16

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Limited Edition Photographic Print, 20 x 16

By Michael Ochs

Located in San Rafael, CA

Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...

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1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

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Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Limited Edition Photographic Print , 16 x 12
Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Limited Edition Photographic Print , 16 x 12

Michael Ochs 'Brigitte Bardot' Limited Edition Photographic Print , 16 x 12

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Located in San Rafael, CA

Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...

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1960s Modern Michael Ochs Photography

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Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Bob Marley (1979) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print

Bob Marley (1979) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print

By Michael Ochs

Located in London, GB

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Michael Ochs photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Michael Ochs photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Michael Ochs in silver gelatin print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1950s and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Michael Ochs photography, so small editions measuring 20 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Terry Fincher, Bob Haswell, and Ernst Haas. Michael Ochs photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $595 and tops out at $1,617, while the average work can sell for $1,106.