Who is Ellen von Unwerth and what is her primary field of work?

Ellen von Unwerth is a German photographer, born in 1954. She is primarily known for her work in fashion, editorial, and advertising photography. Before becoming a photographer, she had a career as a fashion model.

Where was Ellen von Unwerth born, and what was her early life like?

Ellen von Unwerth was born in Frankfurt, West Germany. During her early childhood, she spent time in Bavarian foster care systems as an orphan.

What unique experience did Ellen von Unwerth have after graduating high school?

After graduating high school in Munich, Ellen von Unwerth worked for three years as an assistant to a circus magician.

How did Ellen von Unwerth begin her career in modeling?

While walking down the street in Paris at the age of twenty, Ellen von Unwerth was approached by a photographer who suggested she consider a modeling career. She decided to pursue this path and moved to Paris.

For how long did Ellen von Unwerth work as a fashion model?

Ellen von Unwerth had a successful career as a fashion model for seven years.

What prompted Ellen von Unwerth to transition from modeling to photography?

As a model, Ellen von Unwerth felt she lacked control over how and where her image was used. This dissatisfaction, combined with her boyfriend giving her a camera and her subsequent impromptu photoshoot in Kenya, led her to discover her passion and talent for photography.

What was Ellen von Unwerth's first significant photographic work?

Ellen von Unwerth's first notable photographic work was her portrait of Claudia Schiffer, which she shot in 1989.

In which major publications has Ellen von Unwerth's photography been featured?

Ellen von Unwerth's work has been published in numerous prominent magazines, including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview, The Face, Arena, Twill, L'Uomo Vogue, I-D, and Playboy.

How does Ellen von Unwerth describe her approach to photographing women?

Ellen von Unwerth photographs women in enticing ways without objectifying them. She aims to portray them as active, empowered, strong, and self-assured, emphasizing their beauty and allowing them to feel sexy and powerful.

What is Ellen von Unwerth's perspective on the portrayal of women in her photography?

Ellen von Unwerth believes that the women in her pictures are always strong, even when they are depicted as sexy. She strives to make them look beautiful and feel self-assured, embodying a sense of beauty, sexiness, and power.

For which band did Ellen von Unwerth provide promotional photography between 1994 and 1997?

Ellen von Unwerth provided promotional photography for the band Duran Duran from 1994 to 1997.

Which Duran Duran albums featured photography by Ellen von Unwerth?

Ellen von Unwerth's photography was used for Duran Duran's 1990 album, Liberty, and their 1997 album, Medazzaland.

List several artists whose album covers have featured photography by Ellen von Unwerth.

Ellen von Unwerth's photography has appeared on album covers for artists such as Bananarama (Pop Life), Belinda Carlisle (A Woman and a Man), Cathy Dennis (Am I the Kinda Girl?), Janet Jackson (The Velvet Rope), All Saints (Saints & Sinners), Dido (Life for Rent), Britney Spears (Blackout and Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits), Christina Aguilera (Back To Basics), and Rihanna (Rated R and Talk That Talk).

Which band's album, Live Through This, featured a cover shot by Ellen von Unwerth?

The album Live Through This by the band Hole featured a cover shot by Ellen von Unwerth.

What kind of filmmaking projects has Ellen von Unwerth undertaken?

Ellen von Unwerth has directed short films for fashion designers and music videos for various pop musicians. She has also directed commercials and web films.

For which cosmetic and fitness brands has Ellen von Unwerth directed commercials and web films?

Ellen von Unwerth has directed commercials and web films for brands including Revlon, Clinique, L'Oreal, and Equinox.

What is the title of Ellen von Unwerth's 1994 photography book?

Ellen von Unwerth's 1994 photography book is titled Snaps.

What is the ISBN for Ellen von Unwerth's 1999 book, Wicked?

The ISBN for Ellen von Unwerth's 1999 book, Wicked, is 3-88814-899-5.

Can you name two other photography books published by Ellen von Unwerth listed in the source?

Two other photography books by Ellen von Unwerth listed are Couples (1998) and Heimat (2017).

What film did Ellen von Unwerth direct that featured Demi Moore?

Ellen von Unwerth directed the film I Create Myself, which featured Demi Moore in 1997.

What was the subject of the short film Wendybird directed by Ellen von Unwerth?

The short film Wendybird, directed by Ellen von Unwerth, showcased Erin Fetherston's Fall/Winter collection and featured Kirsten Dunst.

Which music video did Ellen von Unwerth direct for Duran Duran in 1997?

Ellen von Unwerth directed the music video for Duran Duran's song Electric Barbarella in 1997.

List three music videos directed by Ellen von Unwerth for different artists.

Ellen von Unwerth directed the music videos Femme Fatale for Duran Duran (1993), I Will Catch You for Nokko (1993), and Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thang for Salt-N-Pepa (1995).

For which artist did Ellen von Unwerth direct the music video 'Year of 4'?

Ellen von Unwerth directed the music video 'Year of 4' for Beyoncé in 2011.

What award did Ellen von Unwerth receive in 1991?

In 1991, Ellen von Unwerth received the first prize at the International Festival of Fashion Photography.

Which organization honored Ellen von Unwerth with an award in 2020?

In 2020, Ellen von Unwerth received the Editorial, Advertising and Fashion Photography award from the Royal Photographic Society in Bristol, UK.

Where can additional media related to Ellen von Unwerth be found?

Additional media related to Ellen von Unwerth can be found on Wikimedia Commons, specifically in the category dedicated to her work.

What information is available for Ellen von Unwerth under 'Authority control databases'?

Under Authority control databases, Ellen von Unwerth is listed with international identifiers such as VIAF and GND, national identifiers for the United States, France, and BnF data, and artist-specific identifiers including ULAN, RKD Artists, MoMA, and the Photographers' Identities catalog.

What was Ellen von Unwerth's occupation before becoming a photographer?

Before becoming a photographer, Ellen von Unwerth worked as a fashion model for seven years.

What is the significance of Kenya in Ellen von Unwerth's photography career?

Kenya was the location of an impromptu photoshoot by Ellen von Unwerth of her model colleagues, which, after the photos were published, solidified her decision to pursue photography professionally.

How does Ellen von Unwerth's work challenge traditional notions of objectification in fashion photography?

Ellen von Unwerth intentionally portrays women in enticing ways while ensuring they remain empowered and active subjects, thereby challenging traditional objectification by focusing on their strength and self-assurance rather than passive representation.

What is the title of Ellen von Unwerth's book published in 2012?

The title of Ellen von Unwerth's book published in 2012 is The Story Of Olga.

Which music video did Ellen von Unwerth direct for Christina Aguilera?

Ellen von Unwerth directed the music video for Christina Aguilera's song I Got Trouble in 2007.

What is the meaning of the term 'Fräulein' in relation to Ellen von Unwerth's publications?

Fräulein is the title of two books by Ellen von Unwerth listed in the publications section: one published in 2009 (as a collector's edition) and another in 2011 (as a trade edition).

What is the connection between Ellen von Unwerth and the magazine Playboy?

Ellen von Unwerth's photography has been published in Playboy magazine.

What does Ellen von Unwerth aim to convey about women through her photographic style?

Ellen von Unwerth aims to convey that women can be beautiful, sexy, and powerful simultaneously, emphasizing their self-assurance and strength in her images.

What role did Ellen von Unwerth play in the music video for Salt-N-Pepa's 'Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thang'?

Ellen von Unwerth directed the music video for Salt-N-Pepa's song 'Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thang' in 1995.

What is the title of the book published in 2005 that features Omahyra & Boyd, with contributions from Ellen von Unwerth?

The book published in 2005 featuring Omahyra & Boyd, with contributions from Ellen von Unwerth, is titled Omahyra & Boyd.

What is the significance of the 'Heimat' publication by Ellen von Unwerth?

Heimat is a book published by Ellen von Unwerth in 2017, with Mark Schulz credited as a contributor.

What is the title of the music video Ellen von Unwerth directed for Rihanna?

The source text mentions Ellen von Unwerth shot covers for Rihanna's albums Rated R and Talk That Talk, but does not specify a music video directed by her for Rihanna.

What was Ellen von Unwerth's initial reaction to being discovered for modeling?

Upon being asked if she had considered a modeling career, Ellen von Unwerth decided to give modeling a chance.

What is the meaning of the term 'enticing' as used in relation to Ellen von Unwerth's photography?

The term 'enticing' in the context of Ellen von Unwerth's photography refers to her method of showing women in ways that are attractive or alluring, but crucially, without objectifying them, maintaining their agency and power.

What is the title of the 2003 book listed under Ellen von Unwerth's publications, and who is the author?

The title of the 2003 book listed is Revenge, and it is authored by Harland Miller.

What is the connection between Ellen von Unwerth and the magazine 'I-D'?

Ellen von Unwerth's work has been published in the magazine I-D, and an article from March 2017 discusses her work in the context of making Bavaria seem sexy again.

What does Ellen von Unwerth state about her role in directing subjects in photoshoots?

Ellen von Unwerth stated in an interview that she never forces women to do anything, but rather gives them roles to play, ensuring they are always active and empowered in the photographs.

What is the title of the 2005 book that is listed simply as 'Plumes et Dentelles'?

Plumes et Dentelles is a book listed with an ISBN and publication year of 2005, indicating it is one of Ellen von Unwerth's published works.

What is the significance of the 'BnF data' entry in the Authority Control section?

The BnF data entry refers to the Bibliothèque nationale de France, a national library, indicating that Ellen von Unwerth has an authority record within their system, signifying her recognition as a notable figure.

What is the RKD Artists reference for Ellen von Unwerth?

The RKD Artists reference for Ellen von Unwerth is 244385, linking to her profile in the Netherlands Institute for Art History's database.

What is the ULAN number associated with Ellen von Unwerth?

Ellen von Unwerth is associated with the ULAN (Union List of Artist Names) number 500331316.

What was Ellen von Unwerth's role in the music video for Duran Duran's 'Femme Fatale'?

Ellen von Unwerth directed the music video for Duran Duran's song 'Femme Fatale' in 1993.

What is the primary reason Ellen von Unwerth transitioned from modeling to photography?

The primary reason for Ellen von Unwerth's transition was her desire for greater creative control and freedom over how her image was used, which she found lacking as a model.

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Early Life and Education

Origins and Upbringing

Ellen von Unwerth was born in Frankfurt, West Germany, in 1954. Her early childhood was marked by her placement within Bavarian foster care systems, having been orphaned at a young age. This formative period instilled resilience and perhaps a unique perspective that would later inform her artistic vision.^[1]^[3]

A Foundation in Performance

After completing high school in Munich, von Unwerth spent three years working as an assistant to a circus magician. This experience, steeped in performance, illusion, and captivating audiences, likely provided an early exposure to the theatrical and visual elements that would later define her photographic style.^[2]

The Modeling Years

A Chance Encounter

At the age of twenty, while navigating the streets of Munich, von Unwerth was approached by a photographer who recognized her potential for a modeling career. This serendipitous encounter led her to embrace the opportunity, relocating to Paris to pursue modeling.

Seven Years in Paris

For seven years, von Unwerth experienced a successful career as a fashion model in Paris. This period provided her with an intimate understanding of the fashion industry from the other side of the lens, offering invaluable insights into the dynamics of image creation and presentation.

Photography: A New Perspective

The Transition to Photography

Despite her success as a model, von Unwerth felt a growing desire for greater creative control. She observed that as a model, she lacked the agency to dictate how her image would be utilized. This dissatisfaction, coupled with her boyfriend's gift of a camera, sparked an impromptu photoshoot in Kenya with fellow models. The positive reception and demand for her photographic skills following this experience signaled a definitive shift in her career path, eclipsing her modeling work.^[1]^[4]

Defining Moments and Style

Her career gained significant momentum with her 1989 photoshoot of Claudia Schiffer, which launched her into prominence.^[2]^[5] Von Unwerth's distinctive style is characterized by its vibrant energy, playful sensuality, and a profound focus on capturing women in a manner that is both alluring and empowering. She consistently portrays her subjects as strong, self-assured, and beautiful, avoiding objectification.

Von Unwerth articulates a clear feminist perspective in her work. She states, "I never force women to do anything, but I give them roles to play so they are always active and empowered."^[13] In a 2018 interview, she further elaborated: "The women in my pictures are always strong, even if they are also sexy. My women always look self-assured. I try to make them look as beautiful as they can because every woman wants to feel beautiful, sexy and powerful. That's what I try to do."^[7] This approach has resonated widely, making her a significant figure in contemporary fashion and portrait photography.

Editorial and Advertising Reach

Her influential work has graced the pages of numerous prestigious publications, including:

Vogue
Vanity Fair
Interview
The Face
Arena
Twill
L'Uomo Vogue
I-D
Playboy

Beyond editorial features, her distinctive style has been sought after for major advertising campaigns, solidifying her status as a leading commercial photographer.

Beyond the Still Image: Filmmaking

Directorial Ventures

Ellen von Unwerth has extended her creative vision into filmmaking, directing short films for esteemed fashion designers. Her work in this medium allows her to explore narrative and movement, translating her signature aesthetic into dynamic visual storytelling.

Music Videos and Commercials

She has also directed music videos for a variety of pop musicians, contributing visually striking content to the music industry. Furthermore, her directorial talents have been employed for commercials and web films for prominent brands such as Revlon, Clinique, L'Oreal, and Equinox, showcasing her versatility across different visual media.^[14]

Published Works

Collections of Photography

Von Unwerth has compiled her captivating imagery into several notable photography books, offering curated collections of her work. These publications serve as significant contributions to the field of fashion and portrait photography.

Snaps (1994) - ISBN: 0-944092-29-2
Wicked (1999) - ISBN: 3-88814-899-5
Couples (1998) - ISBN: 3-8238-0367-0
Revenge (2003) - ISBN: 1-931885-14-1
Omahyra & Boyd (2005) - ISBN: 2-914171-20-X
Plumes et Dentelles (2005) - ISBN: 2-84114-772-X
Fräulein (2009, collectors edition) - ISBN: 978-3-8365-1477-4
Fräulein (2011, trade edition) - ISBN: 978-3-8365-2808-5
The Story Of Olga (2012) - ISBN: 978-3-8365-3980-7
Heimat (2017) - ISBN: 978-3-8365-2887-0

Selected Filmography

Directed Short Films

Von Unwerth's contributions to film include directing short films, often for fashion designers, showcasing her ability to blend visual artistry with narrative elements.

I Create Myself – Demi Moore (1997)
Naomi – Katherine Hammett
Wendybird – Kirsten Dunst (short film for Erin Fetherston's Fall/Winter collection)

Music Videos Directed

Visualizing Sound

Ellen von Unwerth has directed numerous music videos for a diverse range of artists, contributing iconic visuals to their musical works.

"Femme Fatale" – Duran Duran (1993)
"I Will Catch You" – Nokko (1993)
"Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thang" – Salt-N-Pepa (1995)
"Are 'Friends' Electric?" – Nancy Boy (1995)
"Electric Barbarella" – Duran Duran (1997)
"Bring It On" – N'Dea Davenport (1998)
"I Got Trouble" – Christina Aguilera (2007)
"Fragment One-And I Kept Hearing" – Kenneth Bager (2010)
"Year of 4" – Beyoncé (2011)
"Never Been in Love" – Cobra Starship ft. Icona Pop (2014)

Accolades and Recognition

Professional Achievements

Von Unwerth's significant contributions to the field of photography have been recognized through various prestigious awards and honors.

1991: First prize, International Festival of Fashion Photography^[15]
2020: Editorial, Advertising and Fashion Photography award, Royal Photographic Society, Bristol, UK^[16]

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

Ellen von Unwerth: 'Let's photograph girls enjoying life'. The Guardian. 2 April 2017.
Ellen von Unwerth celebrated in London photo retrospective. Deutsche Welle. 5 April 2018.
How I Started…17 – Ellen Von Unwerth. The Ground Magazine.
Ellen Von Unwerth: What You Need to Know | Highsnobiety. Highsnobiety. 20 October 2018.
Ellen von Unwerth's 'Photographs' mixes high fashion, sensuality. Los Angeles Times. 24 October 2011.
Ellen Von Unwerth: "My Girls Are Proud Of Their Womanhood". Vogue.
Ellen Von Unwerth talks selfies, sexual harassment and her ultimate muse. Harper's BAZAAR. 5 May 2018.
ellen von unwerth is making bavaria sexy again. I-d. 6 March 2017.
This Iconic Playmate Will Be on the Cover of Playboy's Last Nude Issue. Fortune. 3 December 2015.
18 Great Duran Duran Videos - Metro Weekly. www.metroweekly.com. 17 March 2016.
The 100 Sexiest Ellen von Unwerth Photo Shoots. Complex.
The Model On The Cover Of The Hole Album "Live Through This". FeelNumb.com. 6 April 2011.
Behind Ellen Von Unwerth's Newest Photo Exhibit. V Magazine.
Ellen Von Unwerth Pictures: The Fashion And Celebrity Photographer's Greatest Shoots. Marie Claire. 6 August 2015.
Ellen von Unwerth. Artnet.
Editorial, Advertising and Fashion Photography. Royal Photographic Society.

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References

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The Lens of Ellen von Unwerth

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Education 👶

🍼 Origins and Upbringing

🎭 A Foundation in Performance

The Modeling Years 👠

🌟 A Chance Encounter

🇫🇷 Seven Years in Paris

Photography: A New Perspective 📸

💡 The Transition to Photography

⭐ Defining Moments and Style

📰 Editorial and Advertising Reach

Beyond the Still Image: Filmmaking 🎬

🎥 Directorial Ventures

🎶 Music Videos and Commercials

Published Works 📚

📖 Collections of Photography

Selected Filmography 🎥

🎞️ Directed Short Films

Music Videos Directed 🎵

🎤 Visualizing Sound

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

🏅 Professional Achievements

References 🔗

📜 Source Material

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Education

Origins and Upbringing

A Foundation in Performance

The Modeling Years

A Chance Encounter

Seven Years in Paris

Photography: A New Perspective

The Transition to Photography

Defining Moments and Style

Editorial and Advertising Reach

Beyond the Still Image: Filmmaking

Directorial Ventures

Music Videos and Commercials

Published Works

Collections of Photography

Selected Filmography

Directed Short Films

Music Videos Directed

Visualizing Sound

Accolades and Recognition

Professional Achievements

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice