David LaChapelle is a humorous fashion photographer as well as a filmmaker and video director. Commonly referred to as a surrealist, LaChapelle’s style is colorful and thought provoking. He is known to digitally enhance photos with images and colors that make them look like you snapped something straight out of your imagination.  Hailing from the town of Fairfield in Connecticut, he ended up studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

LaChapelle was first hired by the famous filmmaker Andy Warhol to work for Interview magazine. He went on to work for magazines like Vanity Fair and Vogue. In addition to this he has published four books over the years including Hotel LaChapelle and LaChapelle Land, which feature provocative and unique portraits of celebrities and models.

Not one to be restrained by just one muse, LaChapelle has used countless celebrities as inspiration. His skilled lens has snapped everyone from Gisele to David Beckham in very creative ways.  A few of the other celebrities on this list are Kylie Minogue, Uma Thurman, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton.  LaChapelle also directed Elton John’s Las Vegas show “The Red Piano” in 2004.

Directing advertisements for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and H&M is also on LaChapelle’s long resume. He also directed scandalous music videos like Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty.” Short videos were not the limit to his work, however, he has also ventured into the art of film.  His movie, Rize, explores the world of gangs in South Central Los Angeles and focuses on the dancing technique known as krumping. Going back to his photographic talents, LaChapelle has also shot covers for magazines like Rolling Stone, i-d, and French Vogue.