Annie Leibovitz at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

December 03, 2018

Annie Leibovitz at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Annie Leibovitz explains what it is like
looking at the world through the lens of a camera.

Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential photographers of our time. At the exclusive Atlanta Celebrates Photography event on November 29, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Ms. Leibovitz presented and discussed a selection of photographs from her revised and expanded edition of Annie Leibovitz at Work (Phaidon). I was honored to be one of only two selected to photograph the event. I am still pinching myself!

Ms. Leibovitz shared stories behind some of her best-known images—Richard Nixon’s resignation, the Rolling Stones on tour, Queen Elizabeth II—as well as discussions of lighting, cameras, studios and photojournalism.

Annie Leibovitz described what it was like working
with Hunter S. Thompson during her early days at Rolling Stone.

Annie Leibovitz shared a collection of Polaroid photographs of California police officers
who had given her numerous speeding tickets. After promising never to drive in California again,
the tickets were waived. She continues to keep her promise.

Annie Leibovitz chuckles as she explains the call she received from
Buckingham Palace to photograph the Queen.
The request to do so was sent ten years prior to receiving the call.
"Never give up on your dreams," Ms. Leibovitz said.

Annie Leibovitz with a portion of her Sally Mann photograph.
Ms. Leibovitz revealed how nervous she was photographing another photographer.
I know exactly what that feels like!

Full of emotion, Annie Leibovitz discussed
the death of her father and Susan Sontag.

Copies of these books were available for purchase before and after the event.

Annie Leibovitz’s astute observations of American life have had a prominent place in the cultural landscape for nearly five decades. She has received many honors, including the International Center of Photography’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Centenary Medal of the Royal Photographic Society, the Wexner Prize, and the Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities. She is a Commandeur in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and has been designated a Living Legend by the Library of Congress.

Below are additional photographs of Ms. Leibovitz taken that evening: