Celebrities say smile for the camera

Chart topping singers such as Bryan Adams and Hollywood A-listers such as Dennis Hopper have ventured into the world of photography and received much publicity and critical acclaim in the process.

Arguably the most celebrated and successful celebrity come photographer is the Canadian born singer Bryan Adams, whose picture taking talents have caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the arts and fashion industry. In 2005, in conjunction with the fashion designer Calvin Klein, Bryan Adams published a photograph book entitled ‘American Women' which starred a number of world famous females such as actress Scarlett Johansson, Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker.

The Summer of 69 singer has also had his photographic work published in magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair which in itself is a testament to Bryan Adams' photography credentials.

The artistic talents of musicians are becoming well documented and appreciated in the world of photography and this was highlighted last year when the Visions of Rock gallery was opened, displaying photographic works by a number of well recognizable musicians. Artists including Patti Smith, Lenny Kravitz, John Mayer and Bryan Adams all showcased their camera talents and produced a number of images as a means of celebrating the association that photography and music have with one another.

The American rock singer and songwriter Lou Reed who also produced photos for the exhibition was quoted saying: "I think music and photography are part of the same thing: It's rhythm, light, air, movement, focus - and more focus".

However, it is not just the musicians that are putting down their microphones and picking up a camera instead. A number of actors are also employing their skills to the art of photography and receiving approval from fellow photographers, fans and critics alike.

Stars of the big screen including Dennis Hopper who featured in Apocalypse Now and Easy Rider, as well Jeff Bridges who starred in the cult classic Big Lebowski, have both gone on to to become well recognized photographers.

Dennis Hopper recently opened an exhibit featuring images that he took back in the 1960's that included black and white photographs of former American president John F. Kennedy and the celebrated artist Andy Warhol. In comparison Jeff Bridges has achieved his photographic legacy through pictures he has personally taken during his time on countless film sets, thus allowing the viewer to catch a glimpse of his Hollywood world through photography.

Both Hopper and Bridges, along with a number of other film and television stars may be held in high regard foremost for their skills in front of the camera, but they are also building themselves a whole new reputation through creating their own images.

It is not just over the stars of America whom are taking the plunge in the world of photography either, many British celebrities are also getting in on the picture taking act as well. Big names including U2 lead singer Bono and Coldplay's very own Chris Martin have both applied their talents to photography and raised vast sums of money for various charities through selling their work at auctions.

The link between photography and celebrities has always been a strong one but at the same time very separate, the photographer and the star were predominately seen as being at two ends of the spectrum. However, with a growing number of celebrities picking up cameras it appears that photography is fast becoming another means for these well recognisable faces to express their feelings, whilst at the same time bringing different forms of artistry together.

Perhaps it is the artistic nature of musicians or film stars that attracts them to taking a step back behind the camera or maybe it is just another means of earning more money and attention. Whatever the reason may be, it is safe to say that with both the personal and financial benefits that photography brings we are likely to see more and more celebrities peering through their camera lens.

Words by Jonathan Newman.