Walter Iooss Jr.

Walter Iooss Jr. is an American photographer who has been capturing iconic images of sports, celebrities, and lifestyle for over five decades. He is best known for his work with Sports Illustrated, where he has been a contributing photographer since 1963.

Iooss was born in New York City in 1943 and grew up in Long Island. He developed an interest in photography at a young age and began taking pictures of his friends playing sports. His passion for photography led him to study at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, where he graduated with honors in 1965.

After college, Iooss returned to New York and began working as a freelance photographer for Sports Illustrated. His work quickly gained recognition and he became one of the magazine's most prolific contributors. Over the years, Iooss has photographed some of the most iconic athletes of all time including Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and Serena Williams. He has also captured memorable images of celebrities such as Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Cruise.

In addition to his work with Sports Illustrated, Iooss has also published several books featuring his photography including "Athletes" (1985), "The World's Best Sport Photographs" (1995), and "The Athlete Within" (2005). His photographs have been featured in numerous exhibitions around the world including the International Center of Photography in New York City and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Throughout his career, Iooss has received numerous awards including the Lucie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sports Photography (2009) and induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame (2015). He continues to be one of the most respected photographers working today and his images remain timeless reminders of some of our greatest athletes and celebrities.