Suggestions
George Lange
PHOTOGRAPHER - SPEAKER - AUTHOR
George Lange is an internationally renowned American photographer with a career spanning several decades.12 He is celebrated for his energetic and joyful pictures, as well as his iconic celebrity photography.1
Career Highlights
George Lange's photography journey began at the age of seven when his parents gave him his first camera.2 He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he was taught by notable photographers such as Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind.2
Early Career:: Lange worked with photography giants Duane Michals and Annie Leibovitz, learning the art of storytelling through images and the choreography of large commercial shoots.2
Professional Work:: Throughout his career, Lange has photographed for numerous major publications, including:
- Rolling Stone
- Esquire
- Entertainment Weekly
- New York Times Magazine
- Vogue
- Vanity Fair
- Fortune2
Notable Subjects and Works
George Lange has captured images of many celebrities, politicians, artists, and musicians.2 Some of his notable subjects include:
- Steve Jobs and Bill Gates (the only posed portrait of them together)
- Jimmy and Warren Buffett
- Andy Warhol
- The cast of Friends and Seinfeld
- The Obamas
- Bruce Springsteen
- Bob Marley2
His photograph of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates is part of the Carnegie Museum of Art's collection in Pittsburgh.2
Style and Approach
Lange is known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, with many commenting, "that is exactly who I am".2 His photography focuses on joy and uncovering what makes individuals unique.2 This approach has earned him the nickname "The Inspirator".2
Additional Ventures
Beyond his photography work, George Lange:
- Gives talks and conducts workshops
- Specializes in team building activities
- Creates photo experiences through "George Lange Sessions"
- Has authored "The Unforgettable Photograph," published in 2013 and translated into multiple languages2
George Lange's work continues to be celebrated for its vibrancy, ability to capture individuality, and focus on joy.3
Highlights
My mother always loved the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. From giving me a recording of Beethoven's first symphony conducted by William Steinberg when I was five, to sharing her enthusiasm for Heinz Hall and the orchestra she loved. After returning to my hometown of Pittsburgh 5 years ago, I wanted to bring all of my experience photographing all over the world back to one of the crown jewels in the local cultural scene.
The goal of my photo project with the PSO is to show the most intimate connection I can with the orchestra and the audience. To show the light and beauty of the PSO up close. To share the intimacy that often gets lost visually with 80 musicians on a single stage.
My assignment involves photographing for specific marketing projects as well as creating a library of images and stories to humanize the orchestra in new ways.
The project began with Sean Juhl, the youngest violist in the PSO just out of Julliard. I was asked to use the symphonies official modeled backdrop, and a pretty classic lighting style they requested I go with. Then it became just Sean and me. He played his viola as my strobe started popping. That is what musician’s do when they first pose. The rich deep solo viola Sean played was mind blowing. Then it was time to make it my own. I asked Sean to stab my lens with his bow. “I can’t do that!” he said. When I asked why he told me, “you have an expensive camera and I have an expensive bow.” The safety of our tools seemed a risk worth taking for a great photograph. I insisted, “STAB MY LENS!” In that moment we made a photo together that established the look and spirit of my work with the symphony. If you see this image there is no looking away. Sean is bringing you in.
My photos with the PSO require me to both listen carefully to what makes each musician unique and to take charge. It is like conducting with a camera - you have a score but it is what you do with it that makes it all special.
I worked on the original branding for Jeni’s Ice Cream over a decade ago. When they got my new book, “Picturing Joy” they called me…well…actually texted me and said, “We are into sharing JOY, you are into Picturing JOY - our messages align perfectly.” Then we took the message of the book and built a campaign around it. That IS perfect alignment and also exactly what I do.
I told them how much fun it is to watch people eat ice cream. They do have a product you literally lick with your tongue! We scheduled three days in Atlanta where I shot over 25,000 images - lots of fast bursts/animated sequences. All with real customers. All improvised in the moment. All very much in the spirit of the JOY I am always trying to capture.
The team at Jeni’s found a great soundtrack, and my friend Josh Franzos did an incredible job editing the various formats. It all gets launched this week.
I am especially proud of putting this type of work out into the world in this crazy moment. Totally human, totally inspired by the customer’s experience - and in its own way proving how special it is to be alive in so many different ways right now.
