Jason Bell

Bio

Born in Camden, London, in 1969, Jason’s journey into the world of photography began at the tender age of five when he received his first camera—a gift that would ignite a lifelong passion. While pursuing a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Oxford University, from which he graduated in 1990, Jason discovered his calling as a portrait photographer, merging his academic insights with a keen artistic vision. Since then, Jason has made a significant mark in the realm of photography, with his work gracing the pages of prestigious publications such as Vanity Fair and Vogue (both US and UK editions). He has had the privilege of capturing some of the most iconic figures of our time, including Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, and Daniel Craig, to name just a few. In addition to his editorial work, Jason has lent his photographic expertise to numerous high-profile film, theater, and television campaigns. His impressive portfolio includes projects for Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown, as well as cinematic gems such as The Revenant, The Danish Girl, and beloved classics like Love Actually and Bridget Jones's Diary. His contributions to the arts extend to the stage, with striking images from productions like the English National Ballet's Giselle and Nutcracker, and Angels in America at the National Theatre. Jason's artistry has not gone unnoticed; his photographs have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery for their permanent collection, a testament to his enduring impact on contemporary portraiture. He has garnered numerous accolades, including the Royal Photographic Society’s Terence Donovan Award for outstanding contributions to photography, the New York Photo Awards’ Best Advertising Image, and the title of Best British Black & White Photographer at the British Picture Editors’ Awards. His portfolio for Out 100 was a finalist for the prestigious American Society of Magazine Editors’ National Magazine Awards in 2010. A published author, Jason has released four books of his work, with his latest, ‘An Englishman in New York,’ featuring a selection of photographs showcased at the National Portrait Gallery in London. In recognition of his exceptional talent, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society in 2011 and, later, the British Institute of Professional Photography in 2018. In a crowning moment of his career, Jason captured the official christening photographs of Prince George on October 23, 2013, further solidifying his place in the annals of British photography. Today, Jason divides his time between New York and London, continually pushing the boundaries of portrait photography and enriching the visual narrative of our time.