Mariano Vivanco Golden Iris Winner for Photographer of the year

Of the five photographers nominated for a 2011 Golden Iris Award, Mariano Vivanco had the highest profile and most creatively diverse year. The Peru-born lensman shot international pop sensations Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin for album and magazine covers, Rick Genest for the stunning Mugler campaign, and naked male fashion models for his latest photography book, Dolce & Gabbana Uomini. He also helped his friend, supermodel David Gandy, give a shout out to UK gays by photographing the beautiful Brit for a stunning Attitudemagazine editorial. Some of Vivanco’s 2011 images, like those for the Mugler campaign, are already iconic. As time marches on, a notable portion of the 35-year-old’s work this year is destined for inclusion in both college courses and books covering the history of photography. Though Vivanco was already a revered photographer, in 2011 he established himself as one of the greats, and we will now watch his every move with increased anticipation.