George Michael, Los Angeles, 1988 by Chris Cuffaro
Last year we were delighted to welcome acclaimed music photographer Chris Cuffaro to our archive. Chris has shot A list celebrities throughout his career and worked with musicians such as George Michael, Nirvana, Iggy Pop, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Chris Cornell, Nick Cave and many more. We decided to catch up with Chris to find out more about his career, inspiration, and plans for the future.
When did you start taking photos and decided that you wanted to make a career of it?
When I was 10, I saw the movie Funny Face - that's when I discovered Richard Avedon. Around the same time, I shot my very first roll of film. The following year I was already taking photography classes at school, and by this time I was twelve, I knew this was it - I wanted to be a photographer. I even started my own little business and never looked back. I threw myself into learning everything I could as I grew up. At 22, I packed up, moved to Los Angeles, and the rest ... well, that's history.
What was the first band you ever photographed?
The very first concert I photographed was Stanley Clarke on December 17, 1976, at the Berkeley Community Theatre just for fun. Back then, I wasn't trying to be a music photographer; I was just the kid sneaking my camera into shows. My first official shoot wasn't even with a band - it was with record producer Keith Forsey, the man behind Billy Idol, The Breakfast Club soundtrack, and so much more. That shoot lit the spark and opened the doors that would lead me deep into the music industry.
Nirvana, Seattle, 1991 by Chris Cuffaro
Which artist did you most enjoy working with & why?
This is NEVER. an easy question to answer - honestly. there are way too many. Every artist I've shot brings something special to the table. BUT
if I have to pick 10, here you go: George Michael, Nirvana, Maurice White, Jane's Addiction, the Clarke/Duke Project, Michael Hutchence, Ice-T, Chris Cornell, Burt Bacharach and Iggy Pop. All of then were not only incredible to work with, but they also made me look good in the process.
How would you describe your work? Do you have a particular styIe?
My style is simple - always has been. I'm old school, and for me it's all about the subject. I focus on capturing their true essence, stripping away the noise and keeping everything honest. At the end of the day, it's about bringing out the very best in the person in front of my lens.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by music, art, photography, movies - anything creative. When I was young, my heroes were Avedon, Penn, Bailey, and Lindbergh. As I grew older, my influences expanded beyond photography to artists of all kinds. To this day, my greatest inspiration is Ellsworth Kelly - his body of work is overwhelming. That's always been my goal too: to create a body of work that stands the test of time.
Nick Cave, Los Angeles, 1991 by Chris Cuffaro
What makes a great music photo?
The day I arrived in LA, I learned rule number one: “It's not what you shoot, it's who you shoot.” You can have the greatest photos of nobodies, or terrible photos of somebodies - but at the end of the day, a great subject makes a great photo. Simple as that.
Which is your favourite photo on Rockarchive.com?
OMFG, that's impossible ALL of them! But if I have to choose, I'll go with any image of George Michael. He was the best of the best.
Has the industry changed and do you have any advice for an aspiring rock photographer?
The industry has changed a lot - and honestIy, it's kind of sad. These days, 90% of what's out their IS just content. Basic, diluted content. It is what it is, and I've always been good at adapting and evolving, but it still stings to see the world reduced to “content.” There are a million reasons for it, and not much I can do to change it.
What I can do is mentor young photographers. And the biggest thing I teach them? Have fun. That's it- just have fun. You're not going to get rich shooting music, but you can have the time of your life doing it. I've had more fun than anyone I know - and I've got the photos to prove it.
Morrissey, Culver City, 1994 by Chris Cuffaro
What are your career plans for the future?
My goal is to wrap up my Greatest Hits project within the next two years. I'd loved to finally get some books published, keep building and improving the Greatest Hits APP, and push forward on the two TV series l'm developing. Of course, more exhibitions are always in the mix. And through it all, one thing never changes - I plan to have some serious fun.
One last thing - my music photography is only a third of my body of work. I've done so much more than most people even realise. Looking ahead, my future is all about opening the vault and sharing everything with everyone.
Pearl Jam, Seattle, 1991 by Chris Cuffaro
You can find our collection of Chris Cuffaro's fine art prints here. We also have a selection of these prints in stock in our studio for immediate sale. Please contact us at info@rockarchive.com for details.
Selection of Chris Cuffaro's fine art prints. Photo by Clare Guise
