Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
American, 1943-2025
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.
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Artist: Michael Ochs
Michael Ochs
Brigitte Bardot
Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 30
By Michael Ochs
Located in San Rafael, CA
Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1967, 20, 2 x 25, 3 cm
By Michael Ochs
Located in Cologne, DE
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the mo...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
Michael Ochs
Brigitte Bardot
Archival Photograph by Getty, 16 x 20
By Michael Ochs
Located in San Rafael, CA
Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As an authorized Getty Images Gallery...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Marilyn Candid Moment (1955) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
By Michael Ochs
Located in London, GB
Marilyn Candid Moment (1955) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
(Photo by Ed Feingersh/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - MARCH 1955: Actress Marilyn Monroe reads the book "To ...
Category
1950s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
Michael Ochs
Brigitte Bardot
Archival Photograph by Getty, 20 x 24
By Michael Ochs
Located in San Rafael, CA
Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
The Beatles, Black and White Photography, 1960s, 22, 2 x 25, 2 cm
By Michael Ochs
Located in Cologne, DE
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the mo...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
James Dean And Ursula Andress (1955) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
By Michael Ochs
Located in London, GB
James Dean And Ursula Andress (1955) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Image Archive)
LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 29:
Movie star James Dean and Swiss-bor...
Category
1950s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
The Beatles, Black and White Photography, Studio Shoot, 1967, 20, 2 x 15 cm
By Michael Ochs
Located in Cologne, DE
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the mo...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Michael Ochs
Brigitte Bardot
Archival Photograph by Getty, 12 x 16
By Michael Ochs
Located in San Rafael, CA
Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As an authorized Getty Images Gallery...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Michael Ochs
Brigitte Bardot
Archival Photograph by Getty, 30 x 40
By Michael Ochs
Located in San Rafael, CA
Brigitte Bardot with cigarette in hand by photographer Michael Ochs, originally taken in 1962. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...
Category
1960s Modern Michael Ochs Portrait Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
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As an authorized Getty Images Gallery partner, we...
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Located in San Rafael, CA
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Bob Marley (1979) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
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Located in London, GB
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(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Bob Marley Los Angeles 1979.
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Michael Ochs portrait photography for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Michael Ochs portrait photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Michael Ochs in silver gelatin print, paper, photographic paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Michael Ochs portrait photography, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Reg Lancaster, Erich Andres, and Lucienne Bloch. Michael Ochs portrait photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $1,617, while the average work can sell for $845.