PHOTOGRAPHER Albert Watson is one of the greatest photographers of all time whose name is synonymous with the talent levels of Richard Avedon and Irving Penn. Not one to be confined to one subject, Watson has inimitably lensed unforgettable images that render as high-art - from landscapes (typically his homeland of Scotland and his heart’s home of Morocco), to still life, Egyptian artifacts, conceptual portraits, inside prisons, fashion shoots, and beauty advertorials. Watson has directed hundreds of commercials - tapping into his signature wit, no doubt - and been the art/film director behind the most iconic music videos, including Sade’s Kiss of Life and Cherish The Day. It would perhaps be easier to list the stars that Watson has not photographed. 

With numerous accolades on his mantelpiece in NYC, an OBE to his name, and a bounty of friends often visiting him for lunch on his terrace overlooking Brooklyn Bridge, Mr Watson is a busy family man who will probably never retire. This true photographer and talented man found the time to answer Deenathe1st.com’s character quiz, Take Ten Qs, and sit down for an interview with our Editor. Read on to know the man behind the lens better:

#1 If you could have any famous writer (past or present) pen your biography, who would you most love to commission? 

John le Carré.

#2 There is one song that defines your energy when you enter a room, what is it? 

I Am the Walrus by The Beatles. P.S. Whatever happened to music? That’s what I want to know?! I explored the lyrics and music of Taylor Swift and it’s a strange time, I would say. The lyrics are a little bit thin and not that brilliant. But I am clearly in the minority because she is very successful.

#3 You don't collect this item but you could so easily have indulged in building a museum of...?

Egyptian artifacts. I know The Egyptian Museum Cairo very well - I have photographed Tutankhamen artifacts there extensively. [Note: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East,  home to over 170,000 artifacts.] I am desperate to see the new museum. One of the most beautiful small broken pieces of sculpture I have ever seen is at The Met. It’s an Egyptian mouth made of jasper - a yellow hard stone - if you type in The Met Egyptian lips, you will be able to see it. I have taken pictures of it. Everytime I go to The Met I always make a detour to go and see it. The Director of The Met said it was his favorite piece in the entire museum.

#4 It's 11am on a Sunday morning, what are you most often doing at that time?

Reading. I just finished the book 1177 BC - a historical novel. I read a lot of books that are historical. Most likely Joyce Carol Oates book. She wrote the novel Blonde based on Marilyn Monroe. Butcher is her latest novel, and Babysitter… If you are ever alone in the country do not read those two books. Otherwise, you will head back to the city!

#5 You've decided to have a dinner party with friends, and the first thing you organize is:

From my NYC terrace, I can see the Freedom Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge … If it's spring, summer or fall, we organize dinner parties outside so I always check the weather first before making arrangements. I don’t cook at all, I’m embarrassed to say. I’m married to a 10/10 cook. But I do enjoy cleaning up and doing the dishes. I do it all by hand myself. That is a perfect marriage.