Ronald Galella (born January 10, 1931) is an American photographer, known as a pioneer paparazzo. Dubbed “Paparazzo Extraordinaire” by Newsweek and “the Godfather of the U.S. paparazzi culture” by Time magazine and Vanity Fair, he is regarded as the most controversial celebrity photographer in the world.

Sophia Loren at the premiere of “Doctor Zhivago,” Americana Hotel, New York, December 22, 1965. Photograph by Ron Galella

Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson, Mabel Mercer Concert, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, 1978. Photograph by Ron Galella

Kate Moss, “Richard Avedon: An Autobiography” Dinner Party, New York Public Library, 1993. Photograph by Ron Galella

Elizabeth Taylor, Marie-Helene, and Guy de Rothschild, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Paris, 1968. Photograph by Ron Galella

The Duchess of Windsor, National Ballet of Canada Opening Party, Waldorf Towers, New York, 1974. Photograph by Ron Galella

Bianca Jagger and Halston, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, New York, 1976. Photograph by Ron Galella

Gianni Agnelli, Oscar de le Renta, Marella Agnelli, and Annette Reed at Malcolm Forbes’ 70th Birthday Party, Tangier, Morocco, 1989. Photograph by Ron Galella

Valentino and Jackie Onassis, Valentino Fashion Show to Benefit the Special Olympics, Pierre Hotel, New York, 1976. Photograph by Ron Galella.