Glen La Ferman Bio
Web Site:
http://www.glenlaferman.com/Glen LaFerman creates the images for the sounds that mold our reality. The premiere music portrait photographer, LaFerman has defined the art form, peering beyond musical boundaries, and revealing the essence of the artist. With watchful eye, and imaginative vision, he has captured timeless precious moments of truth; Moments of lowered guard; Moments of vulnerability and humanity.
As an image maker for cultural icons, celebrated ad campaigns, and enduring cover art, Glen LaFerman has translated the raw intensity of the music makers into thought provoking themes, in a vast body of dynamic photographic moments.
Raised in southern California, with the rich colorful backdrop of the 60's, LaFerman recognized his insatiable passion for music, and pursued the path into this new and exciting aesthetic. A Beatles concert at Dodger Stadium was a life altering event, as the indelible images of the Fab Four inspired Glen to his calling. With his first camera (a 35mm Nikkormat), LaFerman explored the vibrant LA Music scene, frequenting the historic clubs of the Sunset Strip. Largely self-taught, LaFerman took a brief internship with, photo-biographer, Norman Seef, and was soon prepared to strike out on his own. For his first assignment, Glen shot Tom Waits live at the Roxy in '68. The photos were a hit with the record label, and a check for $500 made it official: Glen LaFerman, Rock Photographer.
"I thought, 'what a great way to make a living. Five hundred bucks in less than an hour, and I was there for the music." – Glen LaFerman
A series of assignments with the Venice Free Press provided LaFerman with the experience to develop his craft. Capturing images of the vibrant Venice Boardwalk, and its colorful community of artists, painters, and performers, LaFerman began to develop his unique style and vision. But it was the music that fueled Glen's passion, and focused his lens on the Sunset Strip. LaFerman began to concentrate, specifically, on the enigmatic guitarists of the time, exploring the mystique of the instrument, is quintessence as a symbol of rock & roll, and the fascinating complexity of its many master players.
"During the 60's and 70's, I started to focus on the guitar. The guitar, and those who create art through it are a fascinating study. It's a pure symbol of everything we love about music." – Glen LaFerman
The powerful synergy of sound and vision to escalate art into a higher realm is a trademark of the LaFerman method. Avoiding the trappings of photographic trickery, gimmicky styles and distorted lenses, Glen LaFerman has developed his personal aesthetic with esteem for the artists and reverence for the music. The resulting portraits have become a legacy of narrative themes and vibrant studies of the icons of the musical world.From the emotion-filled images of Kiss, Bon Jovi, Brian Wilson, and Guns N' Roses, to the sublime study of virtuoso players, Satriani, Vai, Malmsteen and Holdsworth, LaFerman's vision captures a glimpse beyond the persona, and into the person.
Millions came to discover the unique style of Glen LaFerman with his legendary Kramer ad featuring Edward Van Halen. Far from the one-dimensional guitar advertisements of the time, LaFerman's narrative image captures the essence of music's power to inspire. A pair of young a
