Karl Ferris

b.1948

Karl Ferris is an English photographer and designer, best known as the principal innovator of 'psychedelic' photography. As an artist and musician himself, he was immersed in the Swinging London scene and a friend to the 'British Rock Elite' like Eric Clapton/Cream, Donovan, The Hollies, and Jimi Hendrix. Ferris was sought-after as a style consultant and personal photographer to help create their public images and his access helped define the look of the 1960s and influenced youth culture and lifestyles worldwide.

Karl Ferris took some of the most unforgettable photographs of the 1960’s including eight album covers. He shot the images that were used to create the covers of the US release of all three studio albums for The Jimi Hendrix Experience. These include 'Are You Experienced', 'Axis: Bold as Love', (his photograph was used to create the illustration) and 'Electric Ladyland'. He also created Donovan's 'A Gift From a Flower to a Garden' box set.
Ferris was also commissioned to do a multitude of prominent concert posters and magazine features.

He received the compliment of a lifetime when Hendrix remarked to him, on seeing his portfolio, “You’re doing with photography what I’m doing with music – going far out beyond the limits.”

Ferris was born and raised in Hastings, England, and developed an interest in art at a young age. He went on to study at Hastings College of Art where he focused on Pre-Raphaelite painting, which he credits as the key influence behind his innovative photographic style. After serving two years with the RAF as an aerial photographer where he worked with infrared spy surveillance photography, he moved into fashion, working as an assistant to master photographer Harry Nygard in Vancouver, Canada. 

In 1964, Nygard recommended he move back to London to take advantage of the growing opportunities there and Ferris soon received assignments for magazines like 19, French Mode, Marie Claire, Harper‘s Bazaar, and Vogue

While on assignment in Ibiza, Spain, he met the psychedelic artists The Fool and quickly found a niche to expand his exploration of psychedlia in his art. They founded a studio in London and soon became the epicenter of the scene - creating popular ‘happenings’ attended by all of the biggest artists and musicians of the day.

A master innovator, Ferris took his early experience with infrared technology and applied his creative instincts to develop an unforgettable legacy.

Now based in Ibiza, Ferris moved into film producing/directing, as well as record producing, while still shooting special photographic assignments. 

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Below is a selection of his museum-quality limited edition signed photographs. Please note: Prices are based on the British Pound Sterling, so you may see some fluctuation periodically, based on the changing exchange rates. Please contact us with any questions anytime!