Brian Bowen Smith is an American photographer who has been capturing iconic images of celebrities, musicians, and athletes for over two decades. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna.
Born in Los Angeles in 1971, Smith grew up surrounded by art and music. His father was a jazz musician and his mother was a painter. From an early age, Smith was drawn to photography and began taking pictures of his friends and family. After graduating from high school, he attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where he studied photography.
Smith's career began to take off after he moved to New York City in 1995. He quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after photographers in the city and began shooting for magazines such as Rolling Stone, GQ, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and Vogue. His work has also been featured on album covers for artists like Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.
In addition to his commercial work, Smith has also created several personal projects that explore themes such as identity and masculinity. His work has been exhibited at galleries around the world including The Museum of Modern Art in New York City and The National Portrait Gallery in London.
Smith currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. He continues to create stunning images that capture the beauty of his subjects while exploring deeper themes about humanity.