Jock Sturges (born 1947) is an American photographer recognized for his controversial yet intimate portraits, often featuring nude individuals, families, and adolescents in natural settings. Sturges initially studied at Marlboro College and later received his MFA in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work is characterized by a focus on the vulnerability and beauty of the human body, particularly in the context of naturism. Sturges' approach involves building trust and establishing relationships with his subjects over extended periods, resulting in candid and deeply personal photographs that capture the complexity of human relationships and the natural world.

 

Jock Sturges' work has faced both acclaim and controversy, and his photographs have been exhibited in various museums and institutions. His work is in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the International Center of Photography and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Denver Museum of Art, the Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Museum Ludwig in Berlin, and the Musée de la Louvière in Brussels. While his images have sparked debates about the boundaries between art and exploitation, Sturges remains a significant figure in contemporary photography, provoking discussions about the human form and the ethical considerations inherent in capturing intimate moments through the lens.