David LaChapelle is an American photographer and commercial director known for hyper-real, elaborately staged imagery that bridges fine art and advertising. Discovered by Andy Warhol at 17, LaChapelle has created campaigns for Diesel, Coca-Cola, Nespresso, Audi, TOD'S, Kenzo, and Crocs, alongside music videos for Christina Aguilera, Moby, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, and Hozier. His 1995 Diesel "kissing sailors" campaign became one of the first major ads depicting a same-sex couple during the Don't Ask Don't Tell era. LaChapelle's work draws on Baroque painters like Caravaggio, addressing themes of consumerism and redemption through religious symbolism and elaborate production design. His music video for Moby's "Natural Blues" won Best Video at the 2000 MTV Europe Music Awards, and he received MVPA Director of the Year in 2004. His documentary "Rize" earned Special Juried Recognition at Sundance. LaChapelle's photographs are held in LACMA, National Portrait Gallery London, and Tel Aviv Museum of Art. He relocated to Hawaii in 2006, shifting focus toward fine art while maintaining select commercial projects.