Just in time for The Masters, here’s a shoot we did a few weeks ago for Golf World’s backspin issue with 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby. Shot at his home in Palm Springs, we asked Bob to take himself back to the 18th at Augusta. He beautifully relived the moment for us, allowing me to recapture that feeling of pure joy and satisfaction.
Sobering. That’s the first word that comes to mind, having just watched the documentary that takes you behind The New York Times. Maybe its because i love newspapers, always have. I love the pace, i love the passion, but most of all i love the topicality of it all. Whatever your working on, its the very thing people are talking about….. and i was there, to capture the very essence of it all. I’ve been working in newspapers and magazines for over twenty years now, and i look back to the frantic days at The Independent on Sunday and The Guardian with great pride. So i relate very strongly with the story of Page One, and if you love newspapers, you will too. Having said that, the argument of where things go from here, is a truly fascinating debate. To roughly quote one scene “its not whether newspapers should exist, its can they.” Truly a changing time. But i tell you, there’s no better way to for an ambitious twenty year old to start a career than racing across London, picture editor screaming in your ear, while you describe what you think is ‘the picture’ (remember this is well before digital and auto focus), editing barely dry negatives, and slapping five or six still wet 11×14 exhibition quality black and white prints onto the newsroom wall, while the picture editor, sports editor and editor in chief discuss which image not just tells the story, but does so with a visual poetry. Then seeing all that work come together on page one next day! More about Page One here, or watch it on netflix instant.
Showjumping World Championships, photographed for The Independent on Sunday, 1991.
I’m proud to have been a contributor and part of the winning team for The Times Magazine which last night won Supplement of The Year at the The Press Awards. Thanks to photo editors Graham and Eithne, for some great assignments and the creative freedom to explore. Let’s keep it going!
It seems appropriate in some way that his birthday lands on President’s Day, he kinda feels right for that role somehow. We shot him a few years ago now, and a big shout out to my assistant that day Bo B. Randulff for creating the ‘entertained’ off- camera glance. Nice work my man.
Youtube sensations Strawburry 17 and David Choi, photographed for German Der Spiegel magazine. Whoever said internet fame isn’t real fame and fortune…. these kids are having sell-out gigs and ridiculous CD sales. Quite unreal when you think of it. Homemade music gone HUGE. Kinda cool. Good luck to ‘em, and both real cool kids.
This shoot had all the ingredients for a real Hollywood moment…..yes, she’s the daughter of Patti, great-granddaughter William Randolph Hearst, the shoot was done at The famed Chateau Marmont Hotel in the actual bungalow where John Belushi overdosed……. and finally halfway through the shoot actor Jeff Goldblum casually walks in to say hi! Just another day at the office.
This is a story i shot a while ago, but always wanted to make a directors cut, if you will. For me, the fun part about shooting a story, is maintaining a sense of narrative throughout, so it feels like your going on a journey. To me that is the most powerful piece of story- telling, and reportage work is nothing if not that. There has to be a sense of experience, just like any good documentary film. And Ultimate Fighting is a great subject for that, whether your a fan or not, you have fighters on the fringe of making a name, and wearing their life and scars literally on their sleeves, for everyone to see. As a photographer, you cannot wish for any more than that.
Above is our recent shoot with former US Open Champion at Congressional, Ken Venturi, who won in 1964, in the current issue of Golf World Magazine. Ken was great to work with, and at 80, was quite happy to work through a number of different shots around his home in Palm Springs. In fact we just basically turned it into a photo studio. But he was cool with that, so i can’t argue. He has a fascinating story of how he fought massive heat stroke to win the title back in ’64. I guess they didn’t have tiny little water bottles in those days! And below current US Open Champion Graeme McDowell. We shot him a few years ago, when he was nothing but a wee lad. Look at him now, all growd up and winning majors!
Last month we did a fun shoot with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, on the golf course, obviously! I have to say she was great to work with and quite malleable. I use that expression in terms of how open a subject is to ideas. Sometimes, with high profile people, you just never know. It can go either way. But i think after having been doing this for twenty years or so, that’s where the experience comes in. Knowing when and how to open your big mouth. This is in itself the art of portrait photography if you ask me. Anyway, the other personally gratifying aspect of this shoot, is that i was in effect backing up a personal photo- hero of mine, none other than the great Walter Iooss jr, who i believe was originally slated for this shoot. It feels great to be in such good company. You can read the full article here: http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2011-06/condoleeza-rice-interview
I spent a couple of days in New Orleans hanging with and shooting Greg Dulli, former frontman of the Afghan Whigs, and currently of The Twilight Singers. Let me tell you, these guys can play. And drink. And eat. But then again, what would you expect in New Orleans. Also Greg is the owner of the uber-cool hangout ‘The R Bar’, where much of our shoot took place. If you find yourself down in N’arleans, you gotta go check it out. Monday’s special is $10 for a shot and a haircut! Seriously. There’s even an old- school barber chair at the bar.
