Legendary photographer Leee Black Childers, who snapped David Bowie early in his career and chronicled the iconic New York punk scene in the 1970s, has died.

Childers was a central figure in the Big Apple's underground culture and was a close associate of Andy Warhol, taking dozens of famous shots of the pop art pioneer.

He also used his camera to document the notorious crowd of drag queens and dropouts who frequented the city's famous Chelsea Hotel.

Other stars photographed by Childers include Lou Reed, the Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, and Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, and he also managed several bands including Johnny Thunders' group The Heartbreakers.

Childers recalled the stories behind some of his most famous shots in the 2012 book Drag Queens, Rent Boys, Pick Pockets, Junkies, Rockstars and Punks.

He passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday (06Apr14). Childers had reportedly been hospitalised since March (14) but further details were unavailable as Wenn went to press.