Sante D'Orazio is an American photographer known for his iconic images of celebrities, models, and musicians. Born in New York City in 1953, D'Orazio grew up in a family of Italian immigrants. He developed an early interest in photography and began taking pictures at the age of 12. After graduating from high school, he attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City and studied photography under the tutelage of renowned photographer Richard Avedon.
D'Orazio's career began to take off in the late 1970s when he started shooting for magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone. His work was characterized by its boldness and sensuality, often featuring scantily clad models or celebrities in provocative poses. He quickly became one of the most sought-after photographers in the fashion industry.
In addition to his editorial work, D'Orazio has also shot advertising campaigns for major brands such as Calvin Klein and Versace. He has also published several books featuring his photographs including Sante D'Orazio: Photographs (1996), Sante D'Orazio: Private (2000), and Sante D'Orazio: Hollywood (2005).
Throughout his career, D'Orazio has been praised for his ability to capture intimate moments between his subjects and create powerful images that evoke emotion. His work has been exhibited around the world and is held in numerous private collections. In 2017, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lucie Awards for his contributions to photography.