Eric Meola

Eric Meola, born in 1946 in Syracuse, New York, is an acclaimed American photographer celebrated for his vibrant use of color and compelling compositions. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1968 with a B.A. in English Literature and is self-taught in photography. Early in his career, Meola apprenticed under photographer Pete Turner, whose influence is evident in Meola’s bold and saturated imagery. 

In 1971, Meola established his own studio in New York City, working with prominent magazines such as Life, Esquire, and Time. His work has been featured in esteemed institutions, including the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and Munich’s Museum of Modern Art. 

Throughout his career, Meola has received numerous accolades, including the Advertising Photographer of the Year award from the American Society of Media Photographers in 1986 and a Clio Award for his Timberland campaign in 1989. His published works encompass several books, such as “Last Places on Earth” (2004), “Born to Run: The Unseen Photos” (2006), “India: In Word and Image” (2008), and “Fierce Beauty: Storms of the Great Plains” (2019). 

In 2023, Meola was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Professional Photographers of America, recognizing his significant contributions to the field over five decades. (Website, Instagram)