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It would be difficult for me to pick outright ‘the’ one photographer I admire most since I am drawn to the art rather than the artist, consuming it one piece at a time. However, being stylistically inspired by the works of the 1950s and 1960s, there are a few photographers that defined the era, notably one of them being Barry Feinstein.
Barry Feinstein (February 4, 1931 – October 20, 2011) was an American photographer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania most known for his works during the end of the “Golden Age of Hollywood” and the peak of the “Age of Rock”. You may not be aware of his work, but I guarantee you have seen it. Feinstein skillfully photographed and captured the personalities of these larger-than-life characters of the era such as Steve McQueen, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and George Harrison, enshrining them in history.
Barry Feinstein was best known for his intimate portraits of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and George Harrison. His style was raw and unapologetic, having a knack for capturing the true essence of his subjects. One of Feinstein’s most famous photographs is the cover of Bob Dylan’s album The Times They Are A-Changin‘. The iconic black-and-white image shows Dylan walking down a street in New York, looking serious and reflective. It perfectly captures the mood of the times, a time of social upheaval and change. Feinstein’s photos of the music scene were not just limited to portraits. Just like the actors of the time, the musicians of the 1960s and 1970s were all about art, and Feinstein’s photos are a testament to this. His work is a reminder of a time when creativity and authenticity were valued above all else, and his photos continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.
Feinstein’s work went beyond the music industry and into the realm of film. He worked as a still photographer on numerous movie sets, including Barbarella (1968) and Let It Be (1970), the documentary chronicling the Beatles’ final album. But it was his work on “Bullitt” that solidified his place in the film industry. His stunning shots of Steve McQueen’s iconic Mustang GT speeding through the streets of San Francisco are some of the most memorable images in cinematic history. Like many of his contemporaries, Feinstein’s signature style was to capture his subjects in candid moments, relaxed and natural. Whether it was a portrait or a live performance, Feinstein captured the essence of his subject in a way that no one else could. Dozens of other photographers worked with McQueen over his career, but no photographer managed to capture the actor the way Feinstein did. McQueen – the king of cool – known for his larger-than-life persona was actually quite reserved in his private affairs. What makes Feinstein’s works so different is his genuine friendship with McQueen, consequently, the resulting photographs have an intimate style. On top of this, a mutual fascination with all things fast – on two or four wheels – there is no question why the onset photographer for Bullitt (1968) was no other than Feinstein.
Feinstein’s photographs are not only beautiful, but they also tell a story. They capture a moment in time that is both nostalgic and informative. They are evidence of a world that has changed so much since the 50s and 60s. Feinstein captured a pivotal moment in history with an eye for detail and a heart for authenticity. His legacy lives on through his work, inspiring photography enthusiasts around the world to capture the beauty and significance of their own time. Feinstein’s legacy goes beyond the photographs he took. He helped pave the way for on-set photographers and brought a new level of artistry to concert photography. The intimacy of his work made him one of the most respected photographers of his time.
Although Barry Feinstein passed away in 2011, his work lives on. His legacy continues to inspire countless photographers – myself included – and his photographs are timeless pieces of art that decades later still capture the spirit and essence of those larger-than-life characters he photographed.
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