Celebrity News Photography

From where do all the celebrity photos in People, Us Weekly, Vanity Fair, and other magazines come? They come from hard-working professional photographers plying their trade, and the agencies that distribute and license these images, of course. On today’s episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we will discuss the nuts and bolts of working in the celebrity and fashion news business—from the point of view of the agency and of the photographer. 

There is no shortage of entertainment news photos, many of which are taken on the “red carpet” and through a collaborative network of celebrities, publicists, photographers, and agencies. Others, shot in less controlled settings, are a product of a photographer’s instinct and dogged persistence. This type—for good or bad—we call paparazzi photos. Arranged portrait sessions, concerts, and press conferences can also fall into this category of celebrity “news” and our guests, having experience in all the above, will discuss the distinctions between these, as well as the ins and outs of making a living in this arena.

We welcome Chris Doherty, founder and owner of Instar Images. With offices in New York, London, and Australia, Instar is one of the top independent agencies specializing in entertainment news and events. We also speak with photographer Jennifer Graylock of Graylock.com, recipient of the 2017 Top Red Carpet Photographer Award. In addition to her work for celebrity and corporate clients, her photos often grace the pages of People, TV Guide, InStyle, and Glamour magazines.

We ask Doherty what agencies look for in a photographer and what makes a good celebrity image. We also discuss the varying clients he works with, Instar’s website and archive, payment structures, and changes in the industry in the wake of smartphones and social media. Graylock brings the photographer’s perspective and talks about gear choices, protocol within the “pen,” protecting your copyright, and how to maintain relationships, get access, and stay “current.”  Join us for this very informative episode.

Guests: Chris Doherty and Jennifer Graylock

Photograph: © Karl Larsen/ Courtesy of Instar Images