Celebrity photographer Andrew Macpherson

Andrew MacPherson jump started his career in celebrity and entertainment photography while working as a fashion photographer in the U.K. "I was given the assignment to photograph Daniel Day Lewis for Premiere magazine. We had a blast on that first shoot. Daniel really opened the door to working in Hollywood . One story led to another and soon I was traveling back and forth to Southern California."

MacPherson's most significant career insight came while shooting U2's ZooTV World Tour in 1992-'93 throughout Europe and America for British Vogue. He observed the incredible power of an extraordinary team working in absolute harmony, a small army bound by respect and love. Invited at one point to photograph from onstage during a performance, he recalls the incredible flow of energy between the band and the 70,000 people in the audience.

"I felt the power and influence of music," recalls MacPherson. "My eyes were opened to a broader world than the little crucible of fashion I'd been stuck in. The experience put many things into perspective. Entertainers can touch thousands of individuals in a single moment, while neither a dress nor a fashion photograph can ever have the same impact."

Called to Hollywood frequently to cover actors and musicians for European and American magazines, MacPherson eventually moved to the U.S. in 1993. He went from fashion accounts–-The Face, ID, Vogue (British, French and Italian), Elle, and Glamour–to clients NBC, Disney-ABC,In Style, and Rolling Stone.

In Hollywood, MacPherson is truly in his element. And he's quick to share a personal accomplishment: "My greatest pleasure is having my pictures on the buildings and billboards on Sunset Boulevard. Recently I was lucky to have "Alias" star Jennifer Garner (right), and "Elvis" images up there!"

MacPherson shares the details of the "Alias" photo shoot.

"We were stationed in a sound stage on a studio lot with seven ABC-TV sets all prelit and ready to run. On the day of the shoot, we had catering for over 50 people–talent, styling, hair, makeup, studio execs, publicists, and my team of four assistants. Cast members were to appear at carefully choreographed moments according to an intricate timetable. I'd have 10 to 20 minutes with each of them, and just 40 minutes for the two group shots of the whole cast. They were shooting the 'On Air' promotions in the sound stage next door, and doing some simple EPK (electronic press kit) work."

Speed and efficiency were the name of the game, with much to complete perfectly in so little time.

"It's a challenge our team relishes," says MacPherson, "because getting it all done right is a testament to our ability to pull together and not get tripped up by anything. We used over 60 Profoto heads and around 40 packs to complete the job, which was all shot on my Mamiya RZ67 using Kodak EPR film. The E6 film is clip tested, and processed over night, so it can be with the client the following morning."

The variety of assignments and in Hollywood keeps MacPherson charged. As he explains, "One day I work with a stylist, art dire ctor, model, and client. The next day I'm shooting solo on location. With this lifestyle, it's been a great time-saver to use Quixote Studios in Los Angeles . They help me with production needs, equipment rental, location services, and many other things."

Quixote gives MacPherson access to a range of equipment, props, lighting, and location support services, which liberate him from capital investments in equipment or studio space, and give him the freedom to carry on a global business.