David LaChapelle, born in Connecticut in 1963, is an American photographer and director renowned for his vivid, surreal imagery and bold use of color. Originally trained as a painter, he developed a distinctive technique of hand-painting negatives to produce striking photographic effects. At 17, he moved to New York and was soon hired by Andy Warhol to shoot for Interview magazine—an opportunity that launched his career in editorial and celebrity photography.

LaChapelle’s work blends pop culture, fantasy, and social critique, challenging conventions through highly staged compositions and visually rich narratives. His images often explore themes of fame, excess, spirituality, and consumerism, and many have become iconic representations of 21st-century pop culture. Exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, his photographs are among the most published of his generation, and his bestselling books have further cemented his influence in contemporary visual art.