Craig McDean (born 1964,
England) is a British
fashion photographer originally from
Middlewich near
Manchester, but now based in
New York City.
McDean originally trained and worked as a car mechanic before studying
photography at Mid Cheshire College (OND) and Blackpool & Fylde College of Further & Higher Education (PQE). McDean began his photographic career in London as a photographer's assistant to photographer
Nick Knight. His early editorial work was featured in magazines such as
i-D and
The Face, which led to advertising campaign work for clients such as
Jil Sander and
Calvin Klein, and editorial commissions with
Harper's Bazaar and
Vogue.
More recently, McDean has photographed
fashion campaigns for clients including
Gucci,
Giorgio Armani,
Emporio Armani,
Oscar de la Renta,
Yves Saint Laurent,
Calvin Klein, and
Estée Lauder.
His editorial spreads are regularly featured in magazines including
Vogue (magazine),
W, and
Another Magazine. Although primarily a fashion photographer, McDean has photographed portraits of celebrities including
Natalie Portman,
Justin Timberlake,
Jennifer Aniston,
Joaquin Phoenix,
Hilary Swank,
Uma Thurman,
Gael García Bernal and
Nicole Kidman.
McDean is married to stylist
Tabitha Simmons. He is represented by Art + Commerce in New York.
Books
- I Love Fast Cars (Powerhouse Books, 1999)
- Lifescapes (Steidl/Dangin, 2005)
