Is that day in June still fresh in your mind? Absolutely. Senator Kennedy had just won the California Democratic primary and was at the podium of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when he said, “It’s on to Chicago and let’s win there.” When Kennedy started toward the kitchen, I followed, thinking it was the quickest way out of the crowded room. Then I heard a girl scream. I knew we had stepped out of happiness into hell. I pushed my way forward and stood up on the kitchen counter. It was absolute chaos, screaming, pushing, complete bedlam. Five other people were shot around me. As I finished a roll of film, I stuffed it in my sock, so that if the police demanded it, I would give them only the roll currently in my camera. I called the FBI afterward to see if they would like to see my film, but no one ever returned my call.
One of your famous photographs is Greta Garbo swimming at a public beach. Did you ever think you crossed the line and invaded a celebrity’s privacy? No, I didn’t trespass. She was on a public beach and didn’t even know I was there. I didn’t disturb her holiday, nor did I chase after her. The Back Story: I was having dinner at a hotel in Antigua, and at the next table was Greta Garbo The owner of the hotel whispered to me who she was and said she was staying at the hotel. The next day I went boating with friends when Garbo just came floating nearby and I photographed her and I’m glad I had the opportunity to do so. I remember my mother and father talking about the Great Garbo, the beauty who wanted to be alone and there she was in front of me. Just think, without publicity, a celebrity or politician would not be famous. They can’t turn it off and on whenever they please.
One fascinating public figure you befriended was Michael Jackson. You’ve visited his Neverland Ranch, to which no one was allowed access. How did you gain his trust? Michael liked the stories I was doing for LIFE magazine and the fact that I wasn’t in awe of him. I was respectful, which is how I approached each story. We first met in Colorado in 1984. I was wearing a Scottish tweed hacking jacket. Michael commented on it, so I gave it to him. He was delighted and put it on and twirled around for the camera. He realized I was not there to debunk him but to document his lifestyle and career for the fans who idolized him.
Why do you think some of your best images are those that “just happened?” Spontaneous photographs to me, ones that cannot be repeated, are what I’ve always looked for. That’s why I liked photographing in a person’s environment rather than in a studio. Taking away the veneer of celebrity, of a controlled look, is key. I wanted the subject to be themselves.
Michael was easy to photograph because he was so talented. If a photogenic subject dances in front of your camera wearing a glittering costume, it eases the pressure to get a good photograph. I want to take a picture that will make you stop and look, not skip or turn the page of the magazine. At Neverland, I was told we had to stay outside, so we started in the flower-filled garden and moved on to the Ferris wheel and go-carts. When the publicist left, I asked Michael if we could go inside as I needed a cover for LIFE and several inside pages to fill. Michael said all right in his very soft voice, and in we went. He showed me his great house and I started photographing. We started in the living room and moved upstairs to the bedroom. I always like to photograph people in their bedrooms; it’s the most private room in the house.
What did you prefer during your career: hardcore photojournalism or portrait? I would have to say photojournalism. Taking a photograph that defines a bit of history—one that cannot happen again. What has been your number one motivation during the years? My motivation was certainly never money or fame. You might say it has been curiosity. You might also say it was a competitiveness and wanting to be at the center of what was happening in the world and always striving to get the best photograph that day. And he has many times over. For Harry Benson he did it with grace. Capturing the most historic moments to hold for years to come. For more information on Harry Benson, visit harrybenson.com •
HARRY BENSON THROUGH THE YEARS Harry Benson’s career has provided him countless historic moments to capture, from the civil rights marches of the 1960s to wars and unrest. With his many experiences behind the lens, Harry learned to always keep his camera close at hand with the understanding that “a good picture cannot be repeated.” 1964 Ali, still known as Cassius Clay, when The Beatles met him at the Fifth Street Gym in Miami before his title win over heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston.
OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE
1966 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. singing “We Shall Overcome” with John Lewis (left) and Ralph Abernathy (right) during the James Meredith March Against Fear in Mississippi.
1966 Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow attend Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, Plaza Hotel, NYC.
1993 Kate Moss, backstage at Vivienne Westwood’s fashion show, Paris.