David LaChapelle

By Ines Mendoza

For most of us, the name David LaChapelle is hardly as recognisable as the names he most commonly photographs. Yet his credentials far outway the skill and talent of those who recieve much more attention than he (we're looking at you Paris Hilton!).

The world reknowned photographer (find out how to become one here) and film maker has published four books of his often vivid and surreal celebrity portrait collections - with image subjects reaching as far and wide as : Heaven to Hell and Artists and Prostitutes, as well as celebrities such as Lady GaGa, Angelina Jolie, Pamela Anderson, Britney Spears, Leonardo Dicaprio, Madonna and our own Kylie Minogue to name but a few.

Born March 11 1963 in Connecticut, LaChapelle attended the NCSA and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Cult artist, Andy Warhol, offered LaChapelle his first job as a photographer after the two met at the infamous Studio 54.

Since that fateful meeting, he has also worked for respected outlets such as Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Vogue and GQ, with his work has often been described as "surrealist" and at times even "grotesque, shocking and ironic"

Not content with still imagery, LaChapelle has also delved into the world of film having directed legendary singer Elton John's "The Red Piano at Las Vegas" (which featured several of David LaChapelle short films in the background during Elton John's songs).

LaChapelle also ventured into the world of documentary films, with his film Rize exploring the art of "krumping".

He has since gone on to direct advertisements for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, L'Oréal and even Burger King (better known as Hungry Jacks in Australia).

His most recent work was shot in Australia, using only a mobile phone in a project which is being touted as his most experiemental yet. Details on how to be part of the project can be found in the video below...