Ellen von Unwerth is a trailblazing photographer whose work has transformed the worlds of fashion and art. Renowned for her playful, provocative, and empowering imagery, von Unwerth’s career spans decades, during which she has redefined how women are portrayed in visual media. Her photography celebrates femininity in all its forms, blending high fashion with humor, sensuality, and storytelling.
Ellen von Unwerth, Leg Show
Before stepping behind the camera, Ellen von Unwerth began her career as a model. This early experience gave her a unique perspective on the dynamics of the fashion industry and the role of women within it. Her transition to photography in the late 1980s allowed her to challenge and reimagine those dynamics, crafting a visual language that empowers her subjects.
Ellen von Unwerth, Madonna – Material Girl
Von Unwerth’s breakthrough moment came when she photographed Claudia Schiffer for a Guess Jeans campaign in the early 1990s. The campaign’s success catapulted both women to international fame and established von Unwerth as one of the most exciting photographers in the fashion world.
Ellen von Unwerth, Claudia Schiffer for Guess
Ellen von Unwerth, Claudia Schiffer in a Bathtub
Central to von Unwerth’s work is her focus on women as confident, bold, and autonomous. Her photography avoids objectification, instead celebrating the individuality and strength of her subjects. Whether playful or provocative, her images always center on the woman’s perspective.
Ellen von Unwerth, Gisele Bündchen St. Tropez
Von Unwerth’s style is marked by its sense of fun and flirtation. Her use of dramatic poses, vibrant energy, and cinematic storytelling infuses her images with a sense of spontaneity and life. The results are photographs that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Ellen von Unwerth, Eva Herzigova for Vogue Italia 1992
Her images often tell stories, resembling stills from a movie. This narrative quality adds depth to her work, elevating it beyond traditional fashion photography to the realm of fine art.
Ellen von Unwerth, Naomi Campbell Shaving, 1994
Ellen von Unwerth has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment. Her work has graced the pages of leading magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Interview, and she has worked with major brands such as Chanel, Dior, Guess, and Victoria’s Secret.
In addition to her commercial success, von Unwerth has photographed countless celebrities, including Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Kate Moss. Her portraits capture the essence of her subjects, often revealing unexpected sides of their personalities.
Ellen von Unwerth, Kate Moss and David Bowie for GQ Magazine
Ellen von Unwerth has left an indelible mark on the fashion and art industries. Her photography has challenged traditional norms, offering a vision of women that is bold, independent, and multidimensional. She has inspired countless photographers by proving that fashion photography can be both empowering and artistically innovative.
Through her lens, Ellen von Unwerth has celebrated the beauty, strength, and complexity of femininity, creating a legacy that will continue to influence and inspire for generations to come.
Ellen von Unwerth, Bunny on a Pedestal
