STATE OF the ART

Annie Leibovitz Signs with Getty Images                                                           

The famed portraitist and editorial photographer who has shot everyone from Angelina Jolie to Queen Elizabeth II has signed a deal to be represented by Orchard Represents, a division of Getty Images that markets high-end and specialist photographers. The announcement was made by Getty earlier today.

In the press release detailing the news, Leibovitz was quoted as saying, "Getty Images has quietly become one of the leading agencies in the world. I look forward to working with Jonathan Klein and his team.” Other photographers represented by the boutique division include Lorenzo Agius and Tom Stoddart. The announcement comes several weeks after a New York Times article disclosed that Leibovitz had put up her past work and copyright to secure $15 million in loans to cover a financial shortfall. (Go here for details.)

Getty itself recently announced that it would be eliminating 110 jobs, or five percent of its workforce. The company must be grateful to add the best known photographer in the world to its roster. --David Schonauer

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