Jake Chessum

Bio

Jake Chessum is a renowned photographer celebrated for his spontaneous and exuberant approach to the art of capturing moments. With a career spanning decades, his striking celebrity portraits have graced the pages of prestigious publications such as GQ, Men’s Journal, New York Magazine, Glamour, Paper, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times Magazine, and Esquire. His diverse portfolio features an impressive array of icons from film, politics, sports, and music, including legends like Robert De Niro, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, and Hillary Clinton, as well as cultural figures such as 50 Cent, Spike Lee, and Sir Ian McKellen. Chessum's artistic journey began with a degree in graphic design from St. Martin’s School of Art, after which he launched his photography career in London. His first assignment for The Face magazine marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship with the publication, leading to assignments that transported him to the vibrant streets of New York and Los Angeles. In 1999, he made the bold decision to relocate permanently to New York, where he continues to thrive alongside his wife and two daughters. In collaboration with writer Amy Larocca, Chessum co-created “The Look Book” column for New York Magazine, which culminated in the publication of “The New York Look Book – A Gallery of Street Fashion” by Melcher Media in 2007. His first monograph, “Rubbish,” released by Auditorium Editions in 2008, is a thought-provoking collection of images capturing urban waste from cities around the globe, with several pieces honored in American Photography 25. Beyond editorial work, Chessum has lent his unique vision to advertising campaigns for an impressive roster of clients, including IBM, Microsoft, Levi’s, Nike, and The Red Cross. With a keen eye for the unexpected and a talent for storytelling through his lens, Jake Chessum continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary photography.