Jay Maisel

Jay Maisel was born in Brooklyn, New York, January 18, 1931 and is an American photographer. For over 40 years he shot annual reports, magazine covers, jazz albums, advertising and more for an array of clients worldwide. Some of his commercial accomplishments include five Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers, the first two covers of New York Magazine, the cover of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue (the best-selling jazz album of all time), twelve years of advertising with United Technologies, and a litany of awards from such organizations as ICP, ASMP, ADC, PPA, and Cooper Union. His awards include the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame, the Lifetime Achievement Award of theAmerican Society of Media Photographers, and the Infinity Award of the International Center of Photography. He is inspired by light, color, and gesture found in everyday life. He began his career in photography in 1954. One of Maisel's most known images is his photograph of Miles Davis that appeared on the cover of Davis's album Kind of Blue. He is known for his street and urban photography. His pictures are full of color and excitement. He uses different angles to keep the viewers interested. He has developed a reputation as a giving and inspiring teacher as a result of extensive lecturing and photography workshops throughout the country.