Herb Ritts - RIP

HERB RITTS died today. He was only 50 years old... and such a talent. RITTS was best known for his celebrity photographs. The black and white photo that Mr. RITTS took of SLY is one of the most requested on my main site.

Although best known for his black and white celebrity portraits, "unglamorized portraits of glamorous people," as David Fahey, RITTS' gallery representative, once told the Los Angeles Times, he was equally adept with moving pictures. In 1991 RITTS won as MTV's Director of the Year for both the Male Video of the Year [CHRIS ISAAK] and Female Video of the Year [JANET JACKSON]. HERB RITTS photographed just about everyone ranging from MADONNA to the DALAI LAMA.

HERB RITTS is survived by his mother, Shirley Ritts; a brother, Rory; a sister, Christy; and his partner, Erik Hyman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.