Howard Schatz

Bio

Howard Schatz is a distinguished photographer whose evocative images grace museums and galleries around the world, and his work is cherished in countless private collections. Renowned for his artistic vision, Schatz has garnered international acclaim, earning nearly every prestigious award in the field, including multiple “Photographer of the Year” titles and Gold Medals from elite competitions. His prolific output includes twenty-two published monographs, each reflecting his innovative approach to photography. In April 2018, Schatz unveiled his latest work, **KINK**, a comprehensive 20-year study of the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco, showcasing the vibrant subcultures explored through his lens. Just prior, in May 2015, he launched a monumental two-volume retrospective, **Schatz Images: 25 Years**, celebrating a quarter-century of his artistic journey. Schatz's fascination with performance art culminated in his 20th book, **Caught in the Act: Actors Acting**, released in October 2013. This captivating volume offers an intimate glimpse into the transformative process of acting, featuring 85 actors engaged in one-on-one improvisation. Through powerful portraits and extensive interviews, Schatz captures the essence of creativity and the dynamic energy of performance. His exploration of the world of boxing resulted in his 19th book, **At the Fight: Inside the World of Professional Boxing**, published in 2012. This compelling collection, which includes revealing interviews with champions and key figures in the sport, stems from a six-year investigation into the gritty and exhilarating domain of professional boxing. In 2011, Schatz released **With Child**, a poignant exploration of the human body during the final weeks of pregnancy, marking his eighteenth publication. The series reflects his deep sensitivity to the beauty and complexity of the human form. Schatz's fascination with underwater photography is vividly illustrated in **H2O**, published in 2007 by Bulfinch Press. This third installment in his underwater series showcases the ethereal grace of dancers and performers as they glide through water, employing its unique properties to create stunningly surreal imagery. His earlier works, **Water Dance** and **Pool Light**, established Schatz as a pioneer in this genre, captivating audiences with the dreamlike quality of his aquatic portraits. His sixteenth book, **In Character: Actors Acting**, was released in April 2006, featuring a dynamic collection of photographs that celebrate the artistry of over 100 actors from stage and screen. Schatz has also published notable works such as **Botanica** (2005) and **Athlete** (2002), adding to a global bibliography that includes titles like **Nude Body Nude**, **Body Knots**, and **Passion & Line**. His editorial photography has graced the pages of esteemed publications including *Time*, *Vogue*, *The New York Times Magazine*, and *The New Yorker*, while also being featured on major television platforms like *Good Morning America* and *NPR*. In addition to his fine art, Schatz's commercial work has attracted high-profile clients such as Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Mercedes-Benz, where his extraordinary imagery continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Through his diverse body of work, Howard Schatz remains a vital force in contemporary photography, inspiring audiences and fellow artists alike.