Or on the set of a complex shoot with Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane on a beach. This comes through when she recalls starting from scratch on a number of shoots when they were well underway or even complete.

Leibovitz isn't bashful about her characteristic obsession with detail and getting the right shot. So Leibovitz's agonizing over seemingly small aspects of her process is as inspiring as it is indulgent – almost student-like in its effort to improve and iterate. (Image credit: Basil Kronfli) Lessons in photographyĪs someone who takes photos almost exclusively for work, the idea of luxuriating over a shot or even a shoot feels relatively alien to me these days. The same can't be said for her on-set sessions, though, or some lesser-known photoshoot stories. They also remind anyone less familiar with her staying power just how enduring a force she is, but they didn't do much to teach me about photography per se. The calm way she recounts participating in such iconic moments as photographing John Lennon and Yoko Ono shortly before Lennon's assassination, or Queen Elizabeth II ahead of her state visit to the US – Leibovitz's stories are undoubtedly captivating.Īs enigmatic as Leibovitz is, her high-profile stories primarily drive an understanding of her legacy and authority on the subject of photography. I doubt anyone would argue that her delivery is overtly charismatic, but that doesn't matter. Listening to Leibovitz place herself in the center of popular history with a focus on celebrity and conflict is truly fascinating. Without a doubt, the oration side of things was the most accessible. There are three main aspects to Annie Leibovitz's masterclass that stood out for me: oration, education, and assignments. And Leibovitz is quite clearly the headline act.

There are peripherally interesting courses – Ron Howard, for example, teaches filmmaking, but for stills purists, it's those four courses that will need to justify the service's annual fee of £168 / $180 (opens in new tab) (online only), or £228 / $240 (opens in new tab) (including offline downloads).

(Image credit: MasterClass official website) (opens in new tab)Īs for photography, in addition to Leibovitz's course, photographer Tyler Mitchell teaches storytelling through portrait photography, fashion photographer Petra Collins talks about capturing your vision, and pro mountain athlete and photographer Jimmy Chin teaches adventure capture.

Annie leibovitz dance photography