Women’s History Month Series No. 2 Photography

The theme for Women's History Month 2025 is “Moving Forward Together!?Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”

Annie Leibovitz

American Photographer Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential photographers of our time.

As one of the most high-profile celebrity photographers in the world, ?Leibovitz has shot images of world leaders, movie stars, and musicians for over 50 years. Her numerous captivating pictures have appeared on magazine covers, including Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair.

Well-known celebrities have been in front of her lens -- from a naked John Lennon embracing his wife Yoko Ono on a bed (just hours before he was shot dead) to a pregnant (and also naked) Demi Moore, to world leaders such as Queen Elizabeth, Barack Obama, and Emmanuel Macron -- and hundreds more.

Annie Leibovitz At Work

I recommend the updated version of her classic text, Annie Leibovitz At Work, where she shares how her pictures are made. She addresses young photographers and readers interested in what photographers do, but any reader interested in contemporary history will be fascinated by her story.

The photographs discussed include portraits of the Rolling Stones, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Meryl Streep, Keith Haring, Joan Didion, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Patti Smith, William S. Burroughs, Rihanna, Agnes Martin, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and Barack Obama.

Photography in the Age of AI

Many see photography as threatened by the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can generate images from simple text prompts.

At the time of her induction into the French Academy of Fine Arts in 2024, Leibovitz told the Agence France-Presse (AFP)?that AI “doesn’t worry me at all.”

She added, “With each technological progress, there are hesitations and concerns. You just have to take the plunge and learn how to use it.”

She says AI-generated images are no less authentic than photography.

“Photography itself is not really real… I like to use PhotoShop. I use all the tools available.”

Even deciding how to frame a shot implies “editing and control on some level,” she added.

Another 50-Year Career

In 1970, Leibovitz began her career as a photojournalist.

Series No. 1 highlighted the band Heart, led by Ann and Nancy Wilson, who also have 50-year careers.

There is an important theme about women and their perseverance, drive, and ability to make a difference.

Ask any woman about what drives and inspires her to keep going, and you will hear amazing stories. Those stories often go untold because we do not ask.

Herstory

I encourage you to start asking women about their lives. Every woman has a story to share. Each story has a gem for others to learn from. Women’s stories need to be told, shared, and embraced.

Women provide the world energy and amazing grace that has manifested throughout history.

Everyone benefits from “herstory.”

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