Mario Testino is undeniably one of the most prominent fashion photographers of our time. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve likely been living under a rock.

Born in Lima, Peru, Testino is the eldest son of a businessman and grew up in a middle-class family as one of six children. In 1976, he moved to London to study photography, a decision that would launch his extraordinary career.

Testino’s talent and vision have earned him numerous accolades, including an Honorary Fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society in 2011, recognising his contribution to the fine art of photography. In 2014, he received an honorary OBE from UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey.

His big break came in 1997 when the late Princess Diana personally chose him to shoot her iconic Vanity Fair cover. This moment catapulted Testino into the upper echelons of fashion photography, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Testino has worked with leading publications such as Vogue, Elle, and V Magazine, photographing some of the biggest stars, including Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. His collaborations with luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Valentino have solidified his reputation as the ultimate fashion image-maker.

A true visionary, Mario Testino continues to reign as the king of fashion photography, captivating the world with his iconic imagery.