Matthew Russell Rolston (born March 1, 1955) is an American photographer, director, and creative director. Rolston is known for his signature lighting techniques[1] and detailed approach to art direction and design, and has been repeatedly identified throughout his career with the revival and modern expression of Hollywood glamour.
Born in Los Angeles, Rolston was « discovered » by Andy Warhol for Warhol’s celebrity focused Interview magazine, where he began a successful career in photography. Soon after, he began shooting covers and editorial assignments for founding editor Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone. Shortly, other well-established publications began to recognize Rolston’s work, such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Vanity Fair, W, GQ, Esquire, Cosmopolitan,O: The Oprah Magazine, and The New York Times.
Extending his vision beyond still photography into the moving image, Rolston began conceiving, writing and directing music videos and television commercials for such diverse clients as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, L’Oreal, Revlon, Estée Lauder, Clairol, Levi’s, Pantene, Elizabeth Arden, Gap, and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others.
Rolston has also appeared as a guest expert on a spectrum of beauty-oriented broadcast programs, from Bravo’s Shear Genius and Make Me a Supermodel to the CW’s America’s Next Top Model. Adding the title of creative director to his résumé, Rolston also works in the area of experiential design, including hospitality, product design, and new media ventures.