Almost Famous: A Conversation With Paul Natkin
WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with acclaimed photographer Paul Natkin to talk about his career and new book.
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“It’s the story of my life, sort of. It’s a different story, but it’s the same thing, it’s like, if you hang around long enough, things are going to happen.” - Photographer Paul Natkin talking about the parallels between his personal story and the Cameron Crowe film ALMOST FAMOUS.
Photographer Paul Natkin in his living room.
One of the most impressive collections of popular music photographs resides on the northside of Chicago. Not in a museum or gallery, but in the home of celebrated local photographer Paul Natkin. A row of file cabinets contains thousands of photos Natkin has captured over a 40-plus year career as a music photographer.
Of course Natkin’s home-studio isn’t open to the public, but a sampling of his best work is now available in a beautiful new coffee table book titled NATKIN: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH. The 288-page book contains a curated selection of some of Natkin’s most iconic pictures. The Rolling Stones, Prince, Mavis Staples, Dolly Parton, David Bowie, and Miles Davis are just a small sample of the musicians Natkin’s photographed over the decades.
Chances are you’ve probably already seen some of Natkin’s work. His photos have graced countless magazine covers and are continually used in a variety of other projects. The only thing Nakin has more of than photos … is stories. Fantastic tales collected over four and half decades that cover everything from local concerts to jumping on tour buses with bands at a moment’s notice and traveling the country with the Rolling Stones as their tour photographer.
Listen to the interview above to hear those stories in his own words.
Images from NATKIN: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
NATKIN: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH is out now. You can find more info about the book at trope.com and you can check out Paul’s website at natkin.net
Paul Natkin in his studio
