Steve Jobs
PhotographerNorman Seeffis a legend with a vast portfolio of work.
Even if you dont immediately recognize his name, you have most likely seen one of his iconic photographs.
These recordings are just part of the 350,000 feet of undeveloped footage Seeff has stored in the Hollywood Vaults.
Steve Jobs
This precious time capsule, just waiting to be explored, is set to start being developed this year.
This exceptional career is not only a testament to Seeff’s talent but also his tenacity.
But Seeff’s work is much more than his ability to get celebrities through the door.
Whitney Houston
What makes his work unique is his ability to connect with these larger-than-life figures on a human level.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview with Seeff and enjoy some of his most iconic photographs.
Whitney Houston
Where did your love of photography come from, and what specifically interested you about portrait photography?
Andy Warhol
I wasnt inspired by photography in the traditional sense.
My background was in drawing, painting, and sculpting.
I even ran an art school during my medical internship.
Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith
My focus shifted from just capturing images to creating authentic, emotionally impactful relationships.
Photography became the documentation of human vitality and connection.
When I first started, many of the people I photographed werent yet celebrities.
The Rolling Stones
Years later, that same image appeared on the cover of his autobiography.
The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger
What inspires you about working with other creatives, such as musicians?
Im drawn to those who have an innate, primordial connection to creativity.
Mick Jagger
Its a soul-to-soul dialogue where we see each others stories and help bring them to life.
Ray Charles
Steve Martin
What are you trying to capture during these sessions?
Every session I do is an exploration of human consciousness and creativity.
Ray Charles
Some artists reach a level of transcendent mastery, and the energy they bring is extraordinary.
But for me, the more authentic the session, the more profound the outcome, regardless of fame.
I bring integrity, curiosity, and a fascination with the creative process to the table.
Steve Martin
Creativity is loves workits about connection and belonging.
My goal is to help artists feel seen, respected, and safe.
What people experienced during my shoots wasnt just about the photographyit was the conversations.
Norman Seeff with Ray Charles (left) and Chaka Khan (right)
Thats why I started filming the sessions in 1975, beginning with Ike and Tina Turner.
It became a way to capture the essence of the creative processboth visually and emotionally.
I realized early on that my sessions werent just photo shootsthey were emotionally charged, creative performances.
Norman Seeff with the Jackson 5
Its cultural history waiting to be brought to life.
How did this partnership come about, and why is it so meaningful?
Antoinette isnt just a galleryits a collaborative force.
Blondie
I headhunted her because I saw another artist in her, someone who understood creativity on a deep level.
Together, weve created something thats not just about photography but goes many layers deeper.
Antoinette brought this vision to life, and Im thrilled about the experience were building.
Tina Turner
For me, photography isnt the legacy.
Its the authenticity within the imagesthe expression of human goodness, beauty, and truth.
Art is a vehicle to explore human consciousness and potential.
Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
Weve forgotten much of that as a society, and Id like the work to help us remember.
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