[Book Description]
Andy Gotts: The Photograph is a definitive collection of portraits spanning over three decades of Andy Gotts’s illustrious career. This volume offers an intimate glimpse into how Gotts captures some of the most iconic faces in the world using a minimalist, unretouched approach that reveals the human essence behind celebrity personas. Published by renowned UK art publisher ACC Art Books, this is more than just a collection of celebrity portraits—it is a profound visual meditation on humanity, time, and authenticity.
Gotts’s photographic style is strikingly unique. Working entirely on his own—without assistants, studio lighting, or elaborate setups—he relies on natural light and neutral backgrounds, often completing a shoot in under 90 seconds. His "no retouching" philosophy ensures that every wrinkle, expression, and subtle emotion remains intact, transforming what could be glamorous images into raw and powerful visual narratives. In his portraits, we don’t just see celebrities—we see vulnerability, age, humor, and honesty.
A highlight of the book is the unprecedented inclusion of contact sheets, published for the first time. These sheets allow readers to witness the entire shooting sequence behind some of Gotts’s most famous portraits. More than just a record of images, they serve as a behind-the-scenes journal, revealing the instincts and visual decisions that Gotts makes in a matter of moments—offering rare insight into the artistry of portrait photography.
The Photograph features an extraordinary lineup of subjects, including Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Kate Winslet, Kylie Minogue, and Michael Caine, among many others. Gotts also shares personal reflections on these sessions, accompanied by anecdotes and commentary from stars such as Alan Cumming, Ian McKellen, and Gene Simmons, adding humor, warmth, and context to each photograph.
Gotts draws inspiration from cinema and classical painting—particularly the dramatic lighting of Rembrandt and the cinematic compositions of Hitchcock. His portraits often possess a painterly quality, where shadows and expressions combine to create depth and psychological resonance.
Andy Gotts: The Photograph is an unmissable volume for anyone interested in contemporary photography, celebrity culture, or the art of portraiture. Beyond documenting cultural icons, this book asks timeless questions about truth, presence, and the fleeting beauty of an unguarded moment.
[Publication Details]
Author: Andy Gotts
Publisher: ACC Art Books
Dimensions: 32 × 27 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 252 pages