Gary Italiaander

Gary Italiaander is a creative professional whose career encompasses photography, music, education, writing, and public speaking. As a portrait specialist working internationally, Italiaander creates portraits that reflect the lives of his subjects, with his work displayed in homes, offices, and palaces across the globe.

Italiaander's journey into photography began with an early interest in music. He demonstrated musical ability from a young age, starting with the harmonica, and pursued studies at the London College of Music under the directorship of Dr. W.S. Lloyd Webber. He qualified as a piano teacher and music specialist and completed further study at the University of Reading. After several years of teaching, Italiaander transitioned to photography, gaining recognition from Harrods, which invited him to open the Italiaander Portrait Gallery. From this gallery, all portraiture for Harrods clients was commissioned internationally. Italiaander produced portraits of notable figures including Frankie Vaughan, Lord and Lady Sieff, Lord Weidenfeld, Ronnie Scott, members of Middle East royal families, and other prominent personalities.

In addition to his work at Harrods, Italiaander has established an international profile in the photography industry. He has been involved with numerous photographic organizations in the United Kingdom and was awarded honorary membership in the Master Photographers Association for his charitable work with MPA photographers. Gordon Brown, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, wrote to Italiaander in recognition of his ongoing charitable efforts. Italiaander's photographic work has been widely published, and he has tested photographic inkjet paper for Ilford, with his images featured on their packaging worldwide. He has also represented Olympus cameras and completed image restorations for clients such as King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan and the King of Thailand.

As an author, Italiaander has drawn on personal relationships and family history to produce literary works. His friendship with harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler inspired the book "Reflections, A Tribute to Larry Adler, Harmonica Genius," featuring contributions from Sting, Sir George Martin, Cher, Julian Lloyd Webber, Itzhak Perlman, and others. His second book, "My Father's War," explores his father's wartime experiences and includes a foreword by Dame Vera Lynn. Another book is a collection of fine art paintings, illustrations, cartoons, and advertisements by artist Michael Italiaander.

Italiaander is also known as a guest speaker, presenting throughout the United Kingdom and internationally, including on cruise ships. His presentations feature images, recordings, video extracts, anecdotes about well-known figures, and often live harmonica performances. Italiaander remains active in music, with numerous harmonica recordings, and continues to engage audiences with his expertise in portrait photography, music, and storytelling.