Snapper to the stars

Mario Testino has made a very successful career out of photographing beautiful people. And if they're not exactly beautiful, he'll make them so. The Peruvian-born photographer famously loathes the aesthetically challenged and has a knack for making the glossy in life look even glossier with his zingy, energised, high-glamour style. And although some might label him commercial, shallow or simply a celebrity darling because of this, there's clearly a reason why he's the trusted favourite of the Kate Mosses and Lindsay Lohans of this world, as well as VIPs including Princess Diana and, recently, even Margaret Thatcher. Not only is he part of their world, he understands it and knows exactly how to show it to best advantage.

Holly Kyte