Gary James' Interview With Photographer
Lynn Goldsmith
She's one of the top photographers of all time. She's photographed Springsteen, The Stones, Michael Jackson and Bob Dylan to name just a few. She's also a film director and recording artist. And, at one point she co-managed Grand Funk Railroad. We are talking about Lynn Goldsmith. What follows is a 1984 interview with Lynn Goldsmith.
Q - Last Summer (1983) there was quite an argument between Miles Copeland and photographers about photographing The Police. He claimed he has the right to decide what photographers will take photos of The Police. Photographers claim it's a dangerous precedent and restricts the rights of the public to see their favorite celebrity. What do you think about Miles Copeland's position?
A - Every person has the right to determine what they want to do. Mr. Copeland can ask what he wants from photographers and it is up them if they want to work under those conditions. There is no absolute right or wrong. We should each do what we think is right for ourselves.
Q - How did you come to put your book together on The Police? Did management approach you? Did you approach management?
A - Miles Copeland first suggested the idea and then the band asked. I thought it would be a good way to raise money for Save The Children.
Q - How difficult is it for someone who is contemplating a career in photography to break into the world of professional Rock photography?
A - As difficult as it is for any person who is afraid to act on what they want and to work hard until they succeed.
Q - How many top Rock photographers are there today?
A - I don't know what a Rock photographer is. I know photographers who shoot people and some who shoot still life and some who specialize in architecture or landscapes. The limitations we place on others are the limitations we place on ourselves.
Q - Can a good photo of an entertainer make a difference in making or breaking their career?
A - I don't think anyone's life begins or ends with the effect of one moment. My experience tells me that the people who are determined, succeed.
Q - When you look through the lens of your camera are you seeing things differently than the average person?
A - What is an average person? I am me and so I can only see as I see. A good photograph is in the eye of the beholder.
Q - Would you ever wait outside say a restaurant for a celebrity to enter or exit to take a photo and what do you think of someone like Ron Galella who does exactly that?
A - I am not interested in that form of photography. I think Ron Galella is very good at his job. He likes what he does and he pursues it.
Q - Is there anyone you'd like to photograph that you haven't already?
A - Yes. Georgia O'Keefe, Margaret Thatcher, Mother Teresa and David Bowie.
Q - If someone says to you, "Lynn, you've got a glamorous job," what do you say?
A - Thank you.
Official Website: www.LynnGoldsmith.com
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