The Story Behind That Iconic Photo Of Steve Jobs

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Albert Watson is an award-winning, widely published Scottish photographer known for his iconic portraits of celebrities. Perhaps his most famous portrait is the 2006 shot of Steve Jobs that is seen everywhere – from print to the internet. It has been used on the cover of the Steve Jobs biography written by Walter Isaacson. It was also the photograph Apple used on their site when Jobs passed away.

In this 2-minute video from Profoto, Albert Watson shares a peek into the shoot and the moments that led up to it. Apparently, Job’s PR agent told Watson: “Just wanted to let you know, Steve hates photographers.” Watson, being the veteran that he was, used a little bit of reverse psychology to make Jobs feel comfortable in front of the camera so he could capture the perfect shot. Watch below.

After the shoot, Jobs told Watson that “That maybe the best picture ever taken of me“. When Jobs passed away, Tim Cook called Watson and said that he needed that particular photo. Why? Because that was Jobs’ favourite photo of himself.“. When Jobs passed away, Tim Cook called Watson and said that he needed that particular photo. Why? Because that was Jobs’ favourite photo of himself.

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