George Holz was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1956 and graduated from the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California, in 1980. He apprenticed for Helmut Newton while still in college and credits him with mentorship and guidance that deeply influenced his career. As a young photographer, Holz lived in Milan and Paris where he shot beauty and fashion for major European magazines such as Lei, Linea Italiana, L’Officiel, Vogue Italia, and French Elle. He moved to New York City and set up his legendary studio on Lafayette Street, shooting fashion, beauty, advertising, and portraits for major publications and companies such as Mademoiselle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Elizabeth Arden, and Nike. He’s photographed some of the most recognizable and iconic movie posters and album covers including Face Off with John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, and Madonna’s Borderline.

Holz’s fine-art nudes and portraits have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world, and his photographs are a part of many private collections. His Grammy and Clio awards highlight a number of prestigious industry recognitions. His 2016 monograph, Holz Hollywood: 30 Years of Portraits, is a virtual who’s-who in the world of film, music, television, sports, and politics, spanning three decades. Angelina Jolie, Jack Nicholson, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey, Serena and Venus Williams, and Javier Bardem are just a few of the people featured in the book. Holz lectures internationally at museums and universities, teaches workshops, and mentors young photographers. He travels extensively for his commercial and personal work, shooting advertising campaigns, iconic album covers, movie posters, and editorial features, as well as his fine art photographs.
Part of a series sponsored by a Bailey Opportunity Grant and the Arts and Cultural Alliance.