Why is Bill King memorable to me? If you’d known Bill, you’d know why.He was one of the best photographers I ever worked with; he brought to his work professionalism and creativity, and always his own inimitable style. I have yet to meet a photographer who can put energy and sophistication into a photograph the way Bill could. To me, he was more than a photographer; he was a true artist. Although Bill seemed to be an introvert to many, he was explosive whenever he executed his ideas. And he had a very subtle and very funny sense of humor. Working in the world of cosmetics, you couldn’t ask for a more trusted associate.He was a dear friend to me and my family. I miss him very much and pray for him quite often.
Sebastian N. LaMisela, creative director of Publicis Inc., the advertising agency for Lancôme.
Bill King began his photographic career in New York City making head shots for up and-coming Broadway actors. After moving to Europe in the early 1960s, he tried breaking into fashion magazines and finally got his start when he arrived in London,where the Mod fashion movement was peaking. By 1964 his career was taking off,and it continued to blossom through the ’70s and ’80s, both in Europe and America.He shot for all the major fashion magazines and produced some of the era’s most memorable ad campaigns, such as his portraits of notable women for Black lama and his photos of Isabella Rossellini for Lancôme. He died in 1987 at the age of 48.
