Bob Dylan, Secret Sound Studio, New York City, 1976
Print Details
About this photograph
“When I began making images of well-known people, I never felt intimidated. I thought of them as my subjects and all I really cared about was being able to make an image that would capture what I saw in them. But I never really experienced what it meant to be a professional photographer until I got a call late one night in 1976 to come down to Secret Sound Studio to photograph Bob Dylan and Bette Midler. I grabbed my cameras and hopped in a cab. I was so excited I started talking to myself, saying over and over ‘I'm going to shoot Dylan, Bob Dylan!’ the driver heard me and pulled over. He told me to get out of his cab, he didn't want to drive ‘no assassins’. I explained I was a photographer and the expression ‘to shoot’ meant to take a picture. He took me to my destination. I had been to the studio before and knew that the elevator door opened up right into the control room. As I rode the elevator and watched the lights mark each floor I knew that I had to make a very important decision. Was I a photographer or a fan? Did I come there to make the most of my time by creating a portrait, or did I come there to meet Bob Dylan? By the time the door had opened I had chosen to be the best photographer I could be. There he was staring me right in the face. I walked right up to him, because I knew that even though I was invited, it was up to him if I'd get a shot. I stuck out my hand and introduced myself ‘Hi, I'm Lynn Goldsmith and I'd like to make some pictures.’ He replied ‘Well, that's not necessary, I have a photographer.’ I said ‘With two photographers, you get two points of view!’ He said ‘I get your point of view’ I asked, ‘Then I can shoot, right?’ He smiled and nodded yes.” - Lynn Goldsmith
Print sizes and editions
Edition of 20 - Lynn Goldsmith only produces 20 prints per negative.
16" x 20"
20" x 24"
22" x 30"
30" x 40"
35" x 48"
40" x 60"
Print type
Archival pigment print
Paper type
Epson Ultra Premium Luster Paper
Signature
Hand signed by photographer in ink
About the photographer
Lynn Goldsmith is a pioneering artist whose five-decade career has redefined photography and creative expression. As one of the first female rock and roll photographers, she captured iconic images of music legends like Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, and Patti Smith, blending intimacy and intensity in her work. Her portraits have graced over 100 album covers and appeared in leading publications, including Life, Rolling Stone, Time, and Vanity Fair. Beyond editorial photography, her fine art is housed in prestigious collections such as the Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art.
© Lynn Goldsmith. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without permission.