Hauser & Wirth Collaboration: Annie Leibovitz Workshop
Portraiture is a foundational skill in photography. Learning portraiture teaches young artists to observe closely, build trust, and tell authentic stories—skills that go beyond photography. At NYC Salt, we utilize portraiture to empower students to represent their communities, develop professional skills, and connect more deeply with themselves and others.
No one understands the power of portraiture quite like renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, whose intimate and deeply personal images of cultural icons have shaped the visual language of American identity. In November 2024, through our landmark collaboration with Hauser & Wirth Gallery, Annie Leibovitz led a workshop for our high school residency students during her exhibition, Stream of Consciousness.
In this rare opportunity, Annie spoke directly with our students about the art of portraiture—sharing how she builds trust with her subjects to create compelling visual narratives. Her workshop assignment was simple, yet deceptively challenging:
“Photograph someone who puts up with you,” she said. “If you can take a great picture of someone you know, you can take a great picture of anyone.”
Portraiture lies at the heart of all photography. It requires trust, patience, and an ability to see beyond the surface. Learning from Annie Leibovitz was both an inspiration and a catalyst—laying the foundation for a year-long focus on portraiture. Students produced powerful images of their families, classmates, and even themselves — photographs that reflect not just what our students see, but what they feel and understand about their subjects.
IMPACT OF THE WORKSHOP
