My Photography

The John Denver I knew was a much different man then the guy captured in publicity photos and magazines of his day.  The giddy, aw shucks character in those photos was not fake, but not the full extent of the real man either.  There was that side to John to be sure, and in public he would often play it up, but away from the crowds and photographers there was a quiet, thoughtful, often pensive side to him.

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We used publicity photographers for promotional shots,

pros who knew cameras but not the man they were photographing.  John was almost always uncomfortable with them. 

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In the 25 years I worked with John, I shot very few staged photographs.  The ones I did shoot are forgettable.  No, I was a candid photographer, an available light, documentary

style photographer.  My photo access to John was rarely planned and almost never the reason we occupied the same proximity.   I wore a lot of hats in my years with John, and through them all, I had a camera strapped around my neck

and one eye open to the opportunities my unique access afforded me.  John was comfortable with this arrangement.

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A trust had been developed between us, and never once did he ask me not to shoot or question where a photo was to be used.  He knew and trusted my discretion and I never gave him reason to doubt that trust... a key reason it has taken me so long to release my photos to his fans.

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I hope you enjoy a new and unique glimpse into the short life of my boss and friend.

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