Thursday, September 10, 2009

Bob Gruen,John Lennon and Craig Sumsky 9/9/09











9/9/09 Beatles Day !!!

What a great time I had yesterday in the Big Apple . I had the pleasure to meet one of the legends of Rock photography Bob Gruen. What a really nice guy he is. Bob was so gracious and warm. I have to tell you that making a portrait of someone who is celebrity can be intimidating . Then you add that this person is a photographer well , they know what you know. I mean when someone does my photo I'm looking at the lights ,cameras ,what are they looking at all these things go through my head. I'm kind of evaluating their work before I see it. Well I would have done that and this you know. I guess it's like the dentist needing to go to another dentist ??

If you don't know who Bob Gruen is you must google him especially if your into John Lennon and the rock scene or the 70's and 80's. The guy worked with everybody The Stones,Led Zepplin,Sex Pistols,Bob Dylan,The Clash and many many more too many to list. His work is outstanding and did I say he is a really nice guy?

Before I go on none of this would have been possible with out my friend Craig Sumsky( Cutting Edge DJs). Craig is on a mission I said "whatever your doing count me in!!" Craig is a go getter and if you know him you know he is an inspiration. Craig told his idea to many folks about meeting Bob Gruen and most people told him he(Bob) would blow him off. Well the crowd was wrong again. Not only did Bob let us come up for an interview he also signed the many copies(that we drug around NYC) of his new book ( John Lennon The New York Years ) and gave me great opportunities for portraits.

If I may for a moment talk about the responsibility and the power that photographers have with a camera. When you put that instrument up to your face and snap the shutter you are taking something. We all know the stories of people who believe that photographs of people are a stealing of the soul. I believe that great photographs(portraits) are a combination of trust,respect and willingness of the subject to give you something. Always remember(photogs) you have the power. People trust you, don't ever forget that.

Bob Gruen gave me some great images. I have to admit the preconceived ideas I had for this photo shoot were not so great . You have to have some idea going in for any project . What I find is my advantage is just being open and honest about my intentions,motives and sharing the vision with my subjects. Let them have the power make them feel comfortable and know they can trust you.

There will be more about my(and Craig's) day on Craig's blog.. www.cuttingedgedjs.com . Also check out www.bobgruen.com and please if your a Lennon fan or Beatles fan get Bobs book John Lennon ,The New York Years.

Thank you Craig ,Thank you Bob !!