I decided not to run in front of her because if I did, she’d recognize me. Instead, Joy and I hopped a cab and followed Jackie until we caught up with her between East 89th and 90th Streets. There, I rolled down the window and took two profile shots of Jackie walking. Then, the cabdriver honked his horn without me telling him! This was what Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of modern photojournalism, called the decisive moment in photography. I had to seize it. Jackie turned and I pressed the shutter release a third time, and that was the shot. Jackie about to walk across the street, no makeup, hair tousled, wearing jeans, glasses in her hand, and a light smile on her lips, her eyes gleaming. Why do you think the public is captivated with celebrities and their lifestyles? I believe we would all like to be famous. Most are likely to imagine themselves on the silver screen or on television. The life of a celebrity appears exciting, luxurious and to be famous seems appealing to most. 100 Iconic Photographs: A Retrospective by Ron Galella exemplifies your absolute best celebrity photos. Why did you select John Lennon and Mick Jagger to be the cover? My top two selling photographs—John Lennon and Mick Jagger (front cover) and Windblown Jackie (back cover)—have one thing in common. The subjects were not aware they were being photographed. The unguarded moment between two popular, legendary music icons caught in conversation, bathed in soft, diffused light, was captured using a 300mm lens. Mick, wearing a white tuxedo jacket, white scarf, and a carnation in his lapel pocket looking slightly down, and John, in a black tuxedo, looking at him in profile. It was perfect! • For more information visit rongalella.com
SEEING STARS Surely, a look at Ron’s body of work is not only highly regarded for its prized artistic value but also appreciated for its historical significance. As Andy Warhol once said, “My idea of a good picture is one that’s in focus and of a famous person doing something unfamous. It’s being in the right place at the wrong time. That’s why my favorite photographer is Ron Galella.”
All photos © Ron Galella
JANUARY 2022 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE