Michael Ochs

Michael Ochs Brigitte Bardot Archival Photographic Print by Getty, 30 x 40

1962

Michael Ochs was an influential American photographer best known for capturing the worlds of music, film, and popular culture from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Born in Austin, Texas, in 1943 he developed a deep passion for music and media early in life. He attended Adelphi University and later earned a B.A. in radio and television writing from Ohio State University in 1966. He began his career documenting rock musicians, counterculture figures, and major cultural events, gaining unique access to artists at the height of their creativity. Ochs photographed legendary figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, David Bowie, and the Rolling Stones, creating images that helped define the visual identity of rock music during that era. In addition to his work as a photographer, Ochs became a respected photo archivist and historian. He eventually sold his vast collection—millions of images documenting entertainment history—to Getty Images, where it became known as the Michael Ochs Archives. His photographs have since been widely published, exhibited, and used in books, documentaries, and album covers around the world. Overall, Ochs’s photography work is especially valued for its candid, behind-the-scenes feel, which offers a more personal look at famous artists beyond staged publicity photos. His images capture not only the stars themselves but also the mood, fashion, and cultural energy of the time. Through both his photography and archival efforts, Michael Ochs has played a major role in preserving the visual history of rock and popular culture.