Terence Donovan (1936-1996) was a British photographer who was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. He is best known for his fashion and portrait photography, which helped to define the look of the 1960s.
Donovan was born in Stepney, London in 1936. He left school at 15 and worked as a messenger boy for an advertising agency before becoming an apprentice photographer at a studio in London's West End. After completing his apprenticeship, he opened his own studio in 1959 and quickly established himself as one of the leading photographers of the time.
Donovan's work was characterized by its boldness and energy, often featuring strong contrasts between light and dark. His fashion photography was particularly influential, helping to define the look of the 1960s with its vibrant colors and dynamic poses. He also produced iconic portraits of celebrities such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Twiggy.
In addition to his commercial work, Donovan also produced several books of photographs including Terence Donovan: Portraits (1966), Terence Donovan: Fashion (1968), and Terence Donovan: Photographs (1972). He also wrote several books on photography including The Technique of Photography (1970) and The Art of Photography (1975).
Donovan died in 1996 at the age of 60 after suffering from cancer for several years. His legacy lives on through his iconic photographs which continue to inspire photographers today.