Photography and Celebrity

An introduction to the key debates about the complex relationship between photography and celebrity culture, packed with engaging case studies from the 19th century to the modern day.

In the 21st century the photographic image is increasingly integral to everyday communications, while, simultaneously, the culture of fame is participated in and understood by almost everyone.In the 21st century the photographic image is increasingly integral to everyday communications, while, simultaneously, the culture of fame is participated in and understood by almost everyone. Photography and Celebrity is the first full-length book to explore the connections between photographs and celebrity culture. Drawing on academic debate from a wide disciplinary base, the book takes a historical and thematic approach, guiding the reader through the development of photographic images of the famous from the beginning of the medium to the present era of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.Packed with case studies from fan photography to fine art, the book analyses how photographs have been used to facilitate fame and argues that in the 21st century photography is fundamental to the production of celebrity. Aimed at students of photography, media and cultural studies, this is a comprehensive introduction to how photographs of the famous have been created, circulated and consumed that will fascinate readers seeking to understand this powerful medium.