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Dave Benett
Dave Benett (born 1958) is a British society and celebrity photographer based in London.

Career
In 1975 he moved from Liverpool to London where he started working as a photographer for television and newspapers, first working on news and sport before quickly discovering his metier in celebrity photography. During this period he divided his time between news and showbiz, covering era defining news events like the Brixton riots, the trial of Dennis Nilsen and gangs of skinheads in South End for national papers as well as what was then Thames News.

From 1983 Dave began focussing solely on showbiz events, during the zeitgeist defining early days of paparazzi, quickly becoming established as a celebrity photographer, working at globally recognized events such as the free mandela concerts, as well as covering the London glitterati as they partied at all the hottest night spots of the 80s.

During the early 90s Dave crossed over to being an 'inside' photographer, as his connections with The Evening Standard afforded personal invitations and accreditation for major events in London, from Baftas to Brits to Cartier Polo and the Serpentine Summer Ball. He has been the Evening Standards main photographer for arts, culture and showbiz events since the mid 80s, not only working at major events with national appeal but also covering almost every major theatre first night in london for the last 30 years.

Through relationships fostered over the course of his career, Dave is recognised for his trustworthiness and his disinterest in publishing cheap shots. As a result he is invited to be at even the most exclusive events and is able to capture surprising and intimate moments when people let their hair down. He has published these images all over the world, famously, Elizabeth Hurley in a career launching Versace safety pin dress, Nelson Mandela with a host of celebrities and world leaders at his 46664 events, even as the official photographer for the Queen Mother's 99th birthday.

Dave received the Picture Editor's Guild Celebrity Photographer of the Year Award in both 2011 and 2013 and is currently regularly published in The London Evening Standard, The Daily Express, The Daily Star, The I, Grazia, Hello, Harpers Bazaar, Esquire and GQ magazine.

He joined Getty Images's contributors in 2004 after 14 years at Alpha Agency.

Awards
2013 UK Picture Editor's Guild Fashion and Entertainment Photographer of the Year Award

2011 UK Picture Editor's Guild Celebrity Photographer of the Year Award