Written by Menswear Style
in
Fashion History
on the
3rd March 2025
Today, celebrity photography doesn’t seem unattainable—in fact, one can open social media to catch a glimpse of their favorite star’s life. With the rise of smartphones and instant sharing, access to celebrity moments feels closer than ever. However, it wasn’t always like this. In the early days of Hollywood, paparazzi played a crucial role in cultivating the public personas of stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Their carefully staged images and candid moments defined the glamour and mystique of the golden age of cinema.
But as technology evolved, so did the nature of celebrity photography. The carefully curated images of the past have given way to an era where unfiltered, real-time glimpses dominate, often blurring the lines between public and private life. Keep reading this article to continue exploring celebrity photography, its historical progress, and its current state.
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Previous relationships between celebrities and paparazzi
In the early days of Hollywood, the relationship between celebrities and paparazzi was largely symbiotic. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor understood the power of publicity, and paparazzi back then were more like photographers, helping fuel their fame and mystique with iconic celebrity photos. The media was more controlled at the time, and public relations teams often worked with photographers to create glamorous, marketable images. This created some sort of a professional balance, with both parties reaping their own benefits from the exposure without significant invasion of privacy.
This, however, changed significantly in the 1990s and 2000s. Due to the rise of tabloid media and the demand for unfiltered glimpses into celebrities’ personal lives, paparazzi could make between $5,000 and $15,000 for a picture of a celebrity pumping gas, getting coffee, or doing other errands. During that period, their behavior became more aggressive, and the first cases of paparazzi harassing celebrities appeared.
The tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997, chased by paparazzi, was a turning point. It sparked public outrage and legal action aimed at preventing such practices. Still, the paparazzi’s influence remains powerful up to these days. They are still capturing private moments, and the rise of “leaked” celebrity photos makes the ongoing battle for privacy even more complicated.
How celebrity social media culture affected paparazzi
One of the most significant changes in relationships between celebrities and paparazzi is the direct access that fans now have to celebrities through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. These days, pop-culture icons no longer need paparazzi or photographers of celebrities to share their lives with the world—instead, they can do it themselves by posting selfies, behind-the-scenes shots, and personal moments directly to their followers. This allows stars to control their image and shape the stories that are told about them.
For example, Kim Kardashian is well-known for her strong social media presence. She has transformed the way she presents herself to the world, offering followers a window into her life, and succeeded without the need for paparazzi-driven images. By doing so, she and other celebs like Beyoncé have reclaimed ownership of their public persona and become the ones choosing which aspects of their private lives to show.
However, despite this, paparazzi still play a significant role in capturing moments that social media can’t replicate, especially spontaneous ones. Even now, paparazzi continue to pursue stars, seeking photos of celebrities in everyday situations or moments of vulnerability that haven’t been shared on social media. That’s why public opinion towards them is generally negative: for instance, 55% of US adults strongly or somewhat disagree that paparazzi generally behave responsibly and civilly.
Exploring professional celebrity photography
The process of exploring celebrity photography shouldn’t excuse professionals who still play a crucial role in creating the iconic portraits that often define many stars’ careers. Famous photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Mario Sorrenti, and Steven Meisel continue to work with celebrities and create images that are truly timeless.
However, even these professionals are adjusting to the new digital era. For instance, many photographers now work in tandem with celebrities’ social media teams and create content that aligns with the stars’ personal brands. Photoshoots can be tailored to offer material for celebrities’ Instagram accounts: certain poses or themes deliberately chosen to fit aesthetic trends on the platform.
These days, we have a hybrid model of celebrity photography that combines professional and fan-driven content. Paparazzi still manage to capture those rare, unpredictable moments that fans treasure, but professional photographers also collaborate more closely with celebrities now, creating content that combines authenticity and artistic direction.
To sum up
The landscape of celebrity photography has evolved significantly over the years, affected both by the rise of social media and changing paparazzi behaviors. Years before, stars relied heavily on paparazzi and professional photographers to curate their public image, but now they wield greater control through social media, feeling free to share their lives on their own terms. At the same time, the paparazzi remain relentless, and professional photographers are also in great demand. It’s safe to say that celebrity photography today exists in a hybrid space where control, creativity, and intrusion intersect.