Astrid Kirchherr , the renowned rock photographer, has died at the age of 81. The news was announced by Mark Lewisohn Beatles historian . The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Kirchherr gained fame for photographing the Beatles' first session as a band in 1960 in Germany. Furthermore, she was responsible for advising the Fab Four to adopt the hairstyle that remains an icon of the quartet to this day.
The photographer also accompanied the British on their vacation in 1963 and documented the behind-the-scenes of the filming of A Hard Day's Night the following year. In 1968, she photographed George Harrison for the album Wonderwall Music.
Later in life, Kirchherr worked as a fashion designer, interior designer, and owned a photography shop. Her images have appeared in several Beatles books and have been exhibited in numerous museums worldwide.
In announcing his colleague's death, Lewisohn said her gift to the Beatles was "immeasurable." See the historian's post below, followed by some of the tributes paid to her by fans.