En Route To Photoville

“Flew down the East River and in to the Big Apple at sunset (see the Statue of Liberty?) to continue my 75th birthday celebration, to hang with friends, and to make an appearance on a Photoville panel sponsored by Rock Paper Photo on which I and my pals Julie Grahame, Anna Webber and Ed Baum (of Rock Paper) discussed the complex issues facing music photographers in this day of restrictions and limited access. It was brutally hot; thank goodness Photoville had the presence of mind to erect a “misting tent.” Nevertheless, the discussion was fact filled, was well-received and could have gone on forever. Thanks to those who braved the heat to listen and ask questions.

Photoville itself is a terrific idea, bringing various photographic disciplines together in a creative manner (galleries exhibited their work in overseas shipping containers) in the middle of the relatively new Brooklyn Bridge Park, directly across from the tip of Manhattan and with an eye-level (as opposed to a bird’s eye) view of the Statue of Liberty. Only issue for me personally was the weather; I really don’t do well in high heat and humidity. I would have like to have visited more of the exhibits and will return next year if Photoville itself returns and the weather cooperates. By the way, I was told that later in the day as it cooled off, as the sun began to descend in the west and the lights of the City came on, the Photoville experience changed dramatically into a very magical moment. Wish I could have stayed to experience it…”

Rock Paper Photo at Photoville

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Setting up before the rain, Friday June 23rd, Brooklyn. Courtesy of Rock Paper Photo

Photoville opened this past, steamy weekend in Brooklyn, NY. The festival features some 30 shipping containers showing mini-exhibitions curated by some great people and organizations, with photographs hung using various creative methods. The other rather wonderful element is the quality of talks and presentations being hosted. I will be one of the talkers this coming weekend, on June 30th, where I am thrilled to be hosted by Rock Paper Photo with my long-term colleague and dear friend, consultant and curator Julie Grahame, and shorter-term pal, the young and lovely music photographer Anna Webber. Join us at 1.30 pm for “Beyond the Picture: The Art of Selling Music Photography” What does it take for music and entertainment photographers to successfully market and sell their work?

Photoville and all the talks are FREE so come on over to Brooklyn Bridge Park. We’ll see you on Saturday!

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“Blinded By The Light” Rock Paper Photo’s container, packed with great music photography.

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From Biggie and Tupac… (by Chi Modu)

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…to Hendrix and Joplin (by Baron Wolman) All images Courtesy of Rock Paper Photo

George Harrison

George Harrison, Apple Corps offices, London, 1968

We’re thrilled to have a photograph from a quiet afternoon with George Harrison, at the Apple offices in London, featured in this trailer for Martin Scorsese’s new documentary. It’s due for broadcast on HBO in October. Some wonderful quotes in here. Enjoy!

Miles Davis


Miles Davis in Gleason’s Gym, New York City, 1969

Baron was lucky enough to not only shoot Miles with his better, more glamorous half, but also to follow him to Gleason’s gym, taking a few shots of Miles with his bright red 275 GTB Ferrari along the way. Davis tried to get Wolman into a bit of a workout, but Wolman declined. Read more and see more photos of the day spent with Davis in the book.

Miles and Betty Davis

Miles and Betty Davis at home in New York City, 1969

Miles Davis could be an intimidating subject but Baron and he got along fine. Betty was an outstanding recording artist in her own right – each Davis obviously influenced the other during their brief marriage. Betty was also a model, and Miles was also a visual artist – one if his paintings is the background here. In the book, Baron reveals “like Jerry Garcia, his artwork was later transferred to commercially available neckties.”

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, Fillmore East, New York City, 1970

By 1970, Baron slowly realizes he himself has gained a little fame: “Once I went to the Fillmore East to shoot a show, I think Eric Clapton was playing with Delaney & Bonnie. I went to the stage door where my name was supposed to be on the list. “What’s your name?” “Baron Wolman.” “Oh, you’re already here.” Somebody had impersonated me and gone in earlier! I was flattered; by then my name had some clout.”