Photography Appreciation
Mick Rock, born on November 21, 1948, in Hammersmith, London, grew up in a time of cultural shifts and artistic awakenings that would shape his future path as a photographer. While he initially planned to study literature at Cambridge University, fate had other plans. He picked up a camera during his college years, and what started as a casual hobby quickly became a passion. Drawn to the raw energy and spirit of London’s counterculture, Mick was soon capturing the vibe of the people and places that defined this revolutionary time.
In the early 1970s, Rock’s journey into music photography began when he met and photographed the young David Bowie, whose star was rising with his Ziggy Stardust persona. This meeting wasn’t just a stroke of luck; it was the start of a lasting artistic partnership and a pivotal moment in Rock's career. His work with Bowie led him deeper into the world of rock and glam, allowing him access to icons like Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Freddie Mercury. Mick quickly became known as the “man who shot the ’70s,” capturing artists in ways that showcased both their charisma and vulnerability, forever linking his name with the rock and roll aesthetic.
In addition to still photography, Rock ventured into music videos, directing and producing memorable visuals for artists. His experience with photography gave him an eye for composition, while his rapport with musicians allowed him to draw out their personalities on screen. He directed videos for David Bowie and worked with other notable musicians, bringing the same energy to moving images as he did to his photographs. His videos often featured his signature style: raw, intimate, and unfiltered, capturing musicians in a way that fans hadn’t seen before.
Mick Rock’s contributions to music photography are legendary. He captured some of rock’s most iconic images, including Lou Reed for Transformer, Queen’s Queen II album cover, and the ethereal portraits of Syd Barrett. His work with Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust era remains some of the most enduring images in rock history, with Rock’s lens capturing the glitter, glamour, and grit of the era.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.mickrock.com/
https://pitchfork.com/news/mick-rock-photographer-who-captured-1970s-glam-has-died/
https://loudwire.com/mick-rock-photographer-death/
https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/legendary-music-photographer-mick-rock-dies-6141/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-59344065.amp
https://www.nme.com/news/music/legendary-music-photographer-mick-rock-has-died-aged-72-3099649
https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-media-europe-e1186ad4542b4e0deb24b1797dff555c
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/mick-rock-photography-rock-obituary-death-b1963683.html
https://www.rockarchive.com/photographers/mick-rock
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