Photographer Spotlight, Pt. 2: Linda McCartney
Hi! Welcome back for Part 2 of this month's Photographer Spotlight on Linda McCartney. In Part 1 of our June Photographer Spotlight, we took a gander at some of Linda McCartney’s more well-known images of iconic musicians and actors she had the great privilege of photographing.
It would have been amazing to have been there as a fly on the wall to watch how Linda was able to relate to her subjects, and get them to let down their "public" personas, and capture such wonderful portraits. Granted, some personalities were natural hams, and probably made for an easy shoot! After all, most were in the entertainment business, and being "on" came naturally to them. And Linda's use of light in some of her portraits contributed to the mood conveyed, too. She had great eye. In my opinion, Linda’s portraits, both the formal and informal images, did a beautiful job of portraying her subjects in a light—figuratively and literally—that we the general public usually never saw.
Heather and Paul in Poppy Field, 1968, © L. McCartney
Here in Part 2, let's take a look at McCartney's more personal portraits and images, those of her family. As a wife and mom myself, I love these works. More than just documenting and preserving family memories, Linda managed to weave her creative touch into her portrayals of everyday life with the McCartney clan. Even her and Paul's sense of humour found its way into her images. While we all take snapshots of our family events, milestones, and moments, I really enjoy the way Linda’s images reflect a world rarely seen of her “superstar” family life.
Paul and Mary, Scotland, 1970, © L. McCartney
Paul and Mary, Scotland, 1970, © L. McCartney
In juxtaposition with the fame of her husband Paul, and later, the both of them with their band Wings, her images of everyday life warmly and openly invite the viewer in. Her photos are evidence of her deep love of family, that sense of humour, and her photographic talent.
As before, let me get out of the way a bit and allow you to stroll through her images for yourself. I'll try to keep my commentary to a minimum!
Self Portrait with Paul and Mary, London, 1969, © L. McCartney
Paul and daughter, (although I've read this was James, as well), © L. McCartney. Please comment below with any corrections needed on captions or content, thank you.
Paul, Stella and James, Scotland, 1982 (?), © L. McCartney
Paul and Mary, 1970, © L. McCartney
Stella, © L. McCartney. As a mom, I absolutely love this image. Reminds me of when my own children were this small. Though it was a constant thing cleaning them up, the images we keep of moments like this are treasured forever!
Paul and Heather, © L. McCartney
Martha and Heather, © L. McCartney
Paul, liverpool, 1970, © L. McCartney
Stella, Mary and Paul, 1988, © L. McCartney
Mary by Linda, © L. McCartney
Stella by Linda, © L. McCartney
Linda's love of family shows through clearly in her work, don't you think? Below are some links to more about these images, and more of Linda McCartney's photography and bio. Several have been sources for this Photographer Spotlight series this June. Please do visit these links to learn more!
Stella, © L. McCartney
In our final post upcoming, Part 3, we'll view some of Linda McCartney's lesser-known images, some still life's, landscapes, and more. Please do come back for the final in this series!
Paul and Linda, 1992, © Clive Arrowsmith
Below is YOUR opportunity to join the conversation. What did you find in Linda McCartney's family images that caught your eye, or warned your heart? For me, her candids of Paul with the kids are touching portraits, family treasures. So much better than the posed group images we all tend to snap! I think candid family shots say so much more. Tell me what YOU think in the Comments section below! I'd love to hear your thoughts!