Renowned photographer Steve Schapiro, born in Brooklyn in 1934, has captured some of the most memorable and influential figures of the past half-century through his lens. His extensive portfolio includes iconic portraits of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., boxing legend Muhammad Ali, entertainment icons Barbara Streisand, Marlon Brando, David Bowie, Jodie Foster, and Robert De Niro, all of which have become part of America's collective visual memory.
Throughout his distinguished career, Schapiro has shared his insights about the personalities he has photographed, describing Robert Kennedy as the most imposing politician he ever encountered. He has also noted that actor Johnny Depp possesses exceptional photogenic qualities that make him particularly compelling to photograph. These observations come from decades of experience working with some of the most prominent figures in politics and entertainment.
Beyond his celebrity portraits, Schapiro's camera has documented the most significant political and social movements of the 1960s and 1970s. His photographs from this transformative period in American history have achieved iconic status, serving as visual records of the civil rights movement and other major social upheavals that shaped the nation. These images have become invaluable historical documents that continue to resonate with viewers today.
A new comprehensive volume titled "Steve Schapiro: Then and Now" showcases a carefully curated selection of photographs spanning more than fifty years of the photographer's career. The book features accompanying essays written by Schapiro himself, in which he provides detailed explanations of how his most famous photographs were created. His writing style is characterized by a lively and humorous approach as he describes his experiences working with various subjects and capturing pivotal moments in history.
The publication includes both previously unpublished photographs and new works by the acclaimed photographer, demonstrating that his artistic vision remains as sharp as ever. The book also features an interview with Schapiro conducted by Matthias Harder, providing additional insights into his creative process and career highlights. The graphic design for the volume was created by Julia Günther, enhancing the visual presentation of Schapiro's remarkable body of work.
Published by Hatje Cantz, the substantial 272-page book measures 25 x 31 centimeters, providing an appropriately grand format for displaying Schapiro's powerful imagery. This comprehensive collection serves as both a retrospective of a legendary career and a testament to the enduring power of photography to capture and preserve history's most significant moments and personalities.
