In Memory of Peter Lindbergh. Sports stars through the lens of the legendary photographer

Peter Lindbergh passed away this week at the age of 74. He was one of the world’s most prominent fashion photographers. Lindbergh dramatically changed the standard of photography in the fashion world. While his colleagues went head over heels in retouching, Peter shot his models with almost no makeup or styling. He worked with some of the most adored models of the time. He was responsible for many iconic photos of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Heidi Klum and other top models of the 90s.

His vision was different, he wanted people to look deep inside a person and not just at the look. Linberg believed that everyone has something in them that makes them interesting, despite their age. In an interview, Peter said: “Modern photographers must free women and finally everyone from the terror of youth and perfection.” Famous athletes have also been in his lens.

Athletes in Lindbergh’s photographs

The most famous example is the 2014 Belstaff clothing ad with David Beckham. In it, Becks appears in the image of a cool biker, and next to him is Romanian model Andrea Dicanu. According to Lindberg’s idea, David acts as the leader of a group of bikers traveling through the English countryside.

Peter embodied a longtime dream of Beckham. The former soccer player has repeatedly confessed his love for bikes.

What I like about riding a motorcycle is the feeling of freedom. When you’re riding, no one knows it’s you. You’re wearing a helmet that covers your face, so you enjoy being on your own.”

Another example of Lindbergh’s similar work is his photographs of British athletes before the London 2012 Summer Olympics for British VOGUE.

We celebrate the versatility, beauty and splendor of the human body,” reads the caption on the cover of the Sporting Gods portfolio released by the publication.

The photo shoot featured track and field athletes Louise Hazel, Jody Williams и Kelly Sotherton, fencer Lawrence Halstead, gymnast Hannah Whelan and others.

Hannah Whelan through the lens of Peter Lindbergh

Kelly Sotherton through the lens of Peter Lindbergh.

Louise Hazel photographed by Peter Lindbergh

Pictured right: Lawrence Halstead

In 2011, Peter Lindberg took a series of photographs for the Swiss watchmaking brand IWC Schaffhausen. The photo shoot took place in Portofino, Italy, and was organized to promote a new collection of watches. As part of the photo shoot, the legendary French soccer player Zinedine Zidane got into Lindberg’ s lens. He was accompanied by Jean Renault, Cate Blanchett, Mrak Foster and other celebrities.

Zinedine Zidane in the lens of Peter Lindbergh

Zinedine Zidane through the lens of Peter Lindbergh

A humanistic approach and a special vision of the person in the frame are the main features of Lindbergh’s style. He has always tried to emphasize the spirituality and individuality of the models first and foremost. That is why his old works are still admired to this day, and Peter himself was incredibly in demand until the last days of his life.