The Band, "Stage Fright" Album Session, Woodstock, New York, 1970
Print Details
About this photograph
After seeing Norman's portfolio, The Band's art director Bob Cato persuaded Robbie Robertson to hire him to shoot the imagery to be used on the liner notes for their upcoming album release Stage Fright.
“This was my first commission, a little over a year after I had arrived in New York from South Africa and without any paid work. Things were pretty desperate and I was full of doubt about what I was doing, whether I could ever make it as an artist. Bob Cato, a brilliant artist, designer and photographer was the first person in the music business to take a look at my portfolio and he was able to convince Robbie Robertson to let me shoot images for the liner notes.
Within a few days of the album getting released, every bar I go to, there’s my picture. The album turned out to be a hit and suddenly I’m getting phone calls from art directors - “Do you have time to come in and see us? We really love your work.” I’m getting phone calls, I’m getting shoots, and my life has changed.”
- Norman Seeff
Print sizes and edition
Edition of 50 - Norman Seeff only produces 50 prints per negative.
22" x 28"
30" x 43"
38" x 50"
44" x 64"
Print type
Archival pigment print
Paper type
MOAB Entrada Rag Natural paper
Signature
Hand signed by photographer in ink
About the photographer
Norman Seeff is a renowned photographer celebrated for his iconic portraits of music legends and cultural icons. After leaving his career as an emergency doctor in South Africa, Seeff moved to New York in 1968, where his photography quickly gained recognition. Drawing on his roots in street photography, Seeff developed a unique method that preserved the authenticity and spontaneity of candid moments, while re-creating them in a formal studio setting. His dynamic, emotionally engaging sessions captured the raw essence of figures like Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner, Patti Smith, and The Eagles, earning him a pivotal role in the history of music and portrait photography.
© Norman Seeff. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without permission.