Kenneth Willardt

Kenneth Willardt is an American photographer and director who has been working in the fashion industry for over two decades. He is best known for his work in magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, as well as his celebrity portraits of stars like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna.

Willardt was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1971. He began his career as a photographer at the age of 18 when he was hired by a local newspaper to take pictures of high school sports teams. After graduating from high school, he attended Columbia College Chicago where he studied photography and film.

In 1995, Willardt moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion photography. He quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry and began shooting for major publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, GQ, and Vanity Fair. His work has also been featured on the covers of magazines like Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan.

In addition to his editorial work, Willardt has also directed music videos for artists such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. He has also directed commercials for brands like L'Oreal Paris and Maybelline New York. In 2017, he was named one of the "100 Most Influential People" by Time Magazine.

Willardt currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. He continues to shoot editorial work for major publications while also directing music videos and commercials for various brands around the world.