Photography of Musicians Research

Jim Marshall

James Joseph Marshall (February 3, 1936) was a photographer, often of rock stars. He had extended access to numerous musicians through the 1960s and 1970s, including being the only photographer allowed backstage at The Beatles last concert, and chief photographer at Woodstock.

This photo depicts a 'rock and roll' lifestyle as Johnny Cash gives the camera the middle finger. One of Marshall's most famous photos, it shows a backstage setting where Cash is perhaps about to go on stage. The blur of the finger highlights movement, that this was not a stages image. 

Again, depicting the 'rock and roll' theme through the screaming expression of John Fogerty, and the blurred hands suggesting fast, vigorous guitar playing.

The chilled out posture and expression of Keith Richards gives a calmer sense than the other two photographs, but again the cigarette hanging out of his mouth gives the 'rock and roll' theme.

Famous Guitarists

Jimi Hendrix photographs

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/23/us-jimihendrix-idUSTRE7AM0CU20111123

Hendrix, photo by AMALIE R. ROTHSCHILD

Right photo by Joe Sia, Left from: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/18/jimi-hendrix-birthday-exhibition_n_1682075.html 

First photo of Hendrix on stage, captures the passion in his facial expression as he sings in to the microphone. Composition includes whole guitar and upper body - emphasis on the instrument. Lighting is only minimal, he seems to be emerging from the darkness creating the feel of a dramatic entrance. Second photo captures Hendrix looking at the camera, perhaps about to go on stage as he holds his guitar and is with another musician. Third photo is a close up of Hendrix, again reflecting the passion for music in his facial expression. Not much of the guitar is seen, yet the guitar is universally known so just the neck and they way Hendrix holds it is enough to let us know what it is. Moreover, the fact that it is Hendrix alone lets us know that it is a guitar that he holds, so the focus need not be on the whole body of the guitar. The low angle gives presence and power to Hendrix, and reflects that he is up on stage whilst the photographer may be in the crowds below. 

Eric Clapton photographs (found on Google images)

The photographs are taken whilst Clapton is on stage performing, so the photographer makes use of the lighting from the performance. These kinds of photographs are taken from a low angle as they are taken from the crowd/photographers area which is often below the stage. The low angle helps bring the atmosphere of the gig and emphasizes a big stage presence of Clapton. Fast shutter speeds would have been used to freeze movement, especially the hands which would be moving fast whilst playing guitar.