The award was presented at the YPA Gala, organized by Montreal-based photographer and new YPA President Bob Hendriks. The gala was held at the prestigious Morgan Library and Museum, where guests enjoyed a packed lineup of festivities including a photography exhibition showcasing the work of YPA scholarship recipients, a cocktail reception, speeches and entertainment.
LaChapelle’s first photography gig was one for the storybooks; he had started showing his work throughout NYC art galleries in the 1980s when the legendary Andy Warhol hired him at Interview Magazine. From there, he would became a fixture of contemporary commercial photography, creating iconic advertising campaigns and shooting the likes of Tupac Shakur, Madonna, Eminem, Andy Warhol, Philip Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Pamela Anderson, Lil’ Kim, Uma Thurman, Elizabeth Taylor, David Beckham, Jeff Koons, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hillary Clinton, Muhammad Ali, Britney Spears, Amanda Lepore, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and more.
One of the most seasoned and versatile image-makers on the planet, LaChapelle has excelled not only in the commercial realm, but also as a film director and fine art photographer. He has directed music videos for pop icons such as Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. His documentary, Krumped was an award-winner at Sundance, and his subsequent spinoff feature film, RIZE captured critical acclaim worldwide. His recent fine artwork has been exhibited from London to Shanghai and everywhere in between.
A standing ovation for David LaChapelle, and for the Young Photographers Alliance. We commend YPA for honoring the illustrious career of a truly inspiring creative mind. Check out a behind-the-scenes glimpse of LaChapelle’s and Duggal’s collaborative process below. The video was shot during the production of his 2012 collection, Still Life.
