Copyright Albert Watson
I felt moved like many people by the recent death of Steve Jobs. Last year I was invited to speak on photography at a special night during the Melbourne Fashion Festival. I went into a panic, what an opportunity but I was terrified by the thought of speaking in public. I called a dear friend of mine and he gave me a book on great speakers which included a large section on Steve Jobs. I literally began to stalk the man, I read everything I could find on him and his incredible ease at communicating and I watched some great speeches and particularly enjoyed his one on TED.COM. I also learnt about his battle with cancer.
When he died I wanted to post some beautiful strong black and white images full of emotion. I searched on the net for the type of images I love but couldn't find any. How could a man so well known have so few images on the net? Of course there were ones of him during his favourite launches but I was looking for something more intimate. I couldn't find anything. As a photgrapher this got me thinking that just maybe he knew more than any of us and understood the power of the image and consequently had his tightly under wraps.
I stumbled across a link on Twitter confirming this from the photographer's who photographed him and the difficulty they had working with someone that knows so much about image and style. Check out the Photographer's Direct News article titled: Steve Jobs: Visionary, Inventor, and very challenging Photo Subject.
For those of you have had 'exam day' nerves when you have had to shoot someone famous this article tells us why!
He might have been one challenging photo subject but what a hell of a guy. You gave the world so much!
Carla x
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I saw something on television the other night where they were talking about how in his final days he was making sure that those closest to him were going to be okay. They showed a full screen close up profile photo of he and his wife, forehead to forehead - and he had is hand through her hair, embracing the nape of her neck - so tender. it was, like you said, so powerful and moving. It made me cry.
ReplyDeletexo isa
Hi Carla,
ReplyDeleteDo you remember what the name of the book on great speakers was called? I would love to read it.
Can't wait until your book arrives at the end of the month!
Susanne
As a former Apple employee ( briefly) imagine my shock and dismay when I opened Safari last Wed. night hand this image of Steve popped up. What a visionary he was. I am not at all surprised that he was tough to shoot. That type usually are. I'm going to the site you provided to read it all.
ReplyDeleteI know you did a grand job with your speaking gig. You are not only talented as an artist but you're a great writer as well. That's just not fair! :)
V
It sounds like this great man had most of his life under tight control. Of all that I've been reading over the last few days this has given me the most insight and connection to him.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful reading about the many ways he changed lives, yours included Carla.
Bravo!
ciao Lisa
Thanks for the link Carla!! It helped to know who the photographer of the amazing picture which greets me each time I open the MAC is!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carla for the interesting article you posted about Steve Jobs..I so appreciated the insight. love your blog. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteHi Carla
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, and I am very excited about the launch of your new book, I will be one of the first to race out and get it.......the cover is GORGEOUS. Millie xx