Albert Watson

Edinburgh born Albert Watson is one of the world's leading commercial and fashion photographers. Based in the US for over 40 years, he remains as sought-after as ever, and was recently voted as one of the most influential photographers in history. In this film, we follow Albert throughout the course of a day, as he seeks to photograph the barren landscape of the Isle of Skye. Reflecting on his past achievements, we are offered a first-hand insight into his work, and the challenges created by this harsh environment.

Albert developed a love for photography at a young age. “I had my father’s Box Brownie in my hand since I was 12, and from that moment….I knew what I wanted to do”.

He rose to prominence in 1973 following his famous portrait of Alfred Hitchcock holding a dead goose, an early indicator of the bold visual style that was to become his trademark. Since then, he has shot over 100 Vogue covers and created some of the most iconic celebrity images of the twentieth century, from Queen Elizabeth II to Naomi Campbell.

More recently, Albert has moved into fine art photography, documenting landscapes as varied at the Orkney Islands and the Las Vegas desert, while retaining his striking, graphic style.

On the road with his technical team, Albert discusses the difficulties in transferring this unique style onto landscape photography.

“Of course working with models and celebrities is miles away from what I’m doing here on Skye… Landscape photography isn’t easy, there are so many factors to deal with… But finding ways to bring my style to landscapes is what I love.”

“A lot of photographers get sucked into the landscape so that the landscape dominates you. You have to make sure that you dominate the landscape”

The film features Albert using a host of innovative techniques – from car headlamps to sparklers – to create the mood he wants. And Albert has no qualms about manipulating nature to get his shots, saying “when Monet’s painting his lily pond, guess what? Those colours aren’t exactly what’s in the lily pond. You’re doing impressions of things. You’re creating images”

Perhaps most remarkable is Albert’s passion for his work, at the age of 71 and after almost 40 years in the job. “I’m lucky to be here. As long as you have a camera in your hand or a tripod in front of you, there’s never a problem".