Bio
Born 1947 in North London. Left school at 15, spent time in Paris and New York (including working at Electric Lady Studios) before starting a photography career in 1974, freelancing for the Evening Standard and Ritz Magazine, then working with Rex Features from 1977. Described by The Times (2006) as 'one of the most important photographers of the 20th century'; holds an honorary fellowship from University of the Arts London (2013); subject of the Sky Arts documentary series Celebrity Exposed (2012); appeared on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs (Feb 2026). Ran the Richard Young Gallery in Kensington with his wife Susan. Books include By Invitation Only (1981), Paparazzo! (1989), Shooting Stars and Nightclubbing.
Photography style & work
Candid, unposed 'fly on the wall' photography of celebrities, royalty and cultural figures at parties, premieres and society events over five decades — subjects include Diana, Princess of Wales, Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury (one image held by the National Portrait Gallery), Kate Moss and Andy Warhol. Also documentary/reportage work (US troops in Iraq, Fidel Castro in Cuba, Nelson Mandela's 46664 concert).
Website: https://www.richardyoungonline.com/