Iggy Pop, NYC, 1977

Iggy Pop - I was the only photographer shooting Iggy Pop for three shows at New York'sBeacon Theater, and there were no restrictions. The assignment for People magazine only called for B&W film, which is my first love. This was going to be a fun photo shoot. I remember the first night was raining, and I was soaking wet by the time I got to the venue, but that was not going to stop me from getting good solid photos. The Beacon is an old time movietheater, maybe about 1,200 seats with no pit to shoot from -- you either shoot on your butt, on your knees, or if you're very lucky, from an empty chair in the front row. I came into the theater through the back stage entrance, walked to the front of the stage, and placed my camera bag on the floor. A few moments later the lights went down, and Iggy hit the stage with a bang. The audience responded, and the adrenaline was flowing. When he got to the front of the stage, he dropped to his knees and then sprawled on the floor. He began rolling around, contorting his body. At this point, there was no doubt that he was aware of me. He was doing all this in slow, regimented movements, taking his time, seducing the camera. Everything came together -- lighting , music and movement. The People magazine photo editor called me a few days later to compliment me on the shoot, the photos being among the best from a live rock performance he had ever seen. -- Richard E. Aaron

Tri-X 800ASA pushed 1/125sec. f5.6 35mm lens. Available light.