What a fascinating perspective on an unknown G.O.A.T. I appreciate the extensive detail about the history of Beck's career and how he got the shot of Chastain. It's fascinating to think that him being there at that moment may have changed the course of women's sports!
My kids have always played sports where professional photography is involved and the one that blows my mind the most is mountain bike racing. It's interesting hanging out on the course with the photographers and how they position themselves for the shots and what comes of it.
Another wonderful piece, Dee - I feel like I got to know the man behind some of our most iconic sports photographs; that Chastain shot will live on in history.
.. fabulous Sports Editorial .. much in keeping with the early Magazine’s ‘style. Have always claimed to admire Pro Surf Shooters as the very utmost edge of insanity .. been near it myself ‘in the peleton backwards on a motorcycle with BetaCam SP - & a voracious consumer of similar tales .. Ya - he’s a god .. i notice the ‘culture of sports & having evolved through many sports - partook of the culture - not just ‘the game itself & found Beach Volleyball’l Local Community quite stunning - welcoming .. Will dive into the links thanks 🦎🏴☠️🤿
I grew up during the Andre Laguerre Era & a prescient Aunt & informal Legal Guardian arranged a Subscription delivered to the new ‘Family Farm’ where they had stashed the skinny little feral orphan who wanted to play & compete in sports - with her older spinster sister - Finally - in Grade 11 the city punk / farm lad sprouted & got his wish & seized it
Very late 70’s a fabulous gal dropped some photos from a lab off at my shellfish & cocktail bar across from the Windsor Arms in Toronto - Le Provençal & a lunch regular at the stool bar liked the beach volley images, design & architecture docu style & asked if I’d fly to Austin & shoot a quick & dirty Bar ‘Refresh/Design Opening with 4x5 Colour Transparency .. (i owned a Pentax Spotmatic F - but was learning to print Colour Cibachrome)
A Texas shooter was shooting the same night on local magazine assignment & we bailed each other out - all night long until dawn.. he lent me lighting support & I lent him 4x5 support & film & explained ‘reciprocity filter tables’ to him re 10-30 minute exposures - This is an old story re many pro shooters - getting their 1st Break & Client - ‘Luck is the residue of design & effort’ so catch it if you can eh ?
PS .. that gal at the Provençal bar is Dylan’s mom .. & my ex haha ..
& my Best Man - a University of Pennsylvania- Full Scholarship hockey punk ‘Cabbagetown Kid’ from Toronto scored his very first Job with that Design/Architecture Company hoho !
Met him, his gal & dog when they arrived in Banff seeking work.. arrived in a red volkswagen beetle at the Sulphur Mountain Gondola Lift & asked if we were hiring ! Turned out she had arrived as a kid at my school the year I left for the farm & he played Football & Track with my cousins at St Mike’s ! They’re the couple & dog in my tale ‘Hitchhiking to Banff for Christmas Dinner’ from Vancouver 🦎🏴☠️🎬
This was wonderful complete with some awesome shots ! One of my faves is the Barry Bonds record setter taken at the perfect time (even though he was and continues to be a jerk). SI seems to get the credit for this stuff and often we forgot that it was an individual doing the work. The Tiger pic you have on your wall is incredible.
Cool story Dee. We often focus on the athletes without thinking of the other people who bring the events to life. This was a great reflection on a contributor to the sports world.
What a fascinating perspective on an unknown G.O.A.T. I appreciate the extensive detail about the history of Beck's career and how he got the shot of Chastain. It's fascinating to think that him being there at that moment may have changed the course of women's sports!
My kids have always played sports where professional photography is involved and the one that blows my mind the most is mountain bike racing. It's interesting hanging out on the course with the photographers and how they position themselves for the shots and what comes of it.
Great essay Dee!
Thanks Donna 🙏 I thought it was a worthy story to tell.
I hope that he reads this wonderful tribute, Dee.
The incredible talent he has, plus right time, right location make his photos unforgettable.
Oh yeah he’s seen it—and he approves ☺️
Thanks for reading Teyani.
Another wonderful piece, Dee - I feel like I got to know the man behind some of our most iconic sports photographs; that Chastain shot will live on in history.
Great work, good sir!
Thank you my brother!
.. fabulous Sports Editorial .. much in keeping with the early Magazine’s ‘style. Have always claimed to admire Pro Surf Shooters as the very utmost edge of insanity .. been near it myself ‘in the peleton backwards on a motorcycle with BetaCam SP - & a voracious consumer of similar tales .. Ya - he’s a god .. i notice the ‘culture of sports & having evolved through many sports - partook of the culture - not just ‘the game itself & found Beach Volleyball’l Local Community quite stunning - welcoming .. Will dive into the links thanks 🦎🏴☠️🤿
Thanks Thomas. I figured you’d enjoy this one 👊
I grew up during the Andre Laguerre Era & a prescient Aunt & informal Legal Guardian arranged a Subscription delivered to the new ‘Family Farm’ where they had stashed the skinny little feral orphan who wanted to play & compete in sports - with her older spinster sister - Finally - in Grade 11 the city punk / farm lad sprouted & got his wish & seized it
Very late 70’s a fabulous gal dropped some photos from a lab off at my shellfish & cocktail bar across from the Windsor Arms in Toronto - Le Provençal & a lunch regular at the stool bar liked the beach volley images, design & architecture docu style & asked if I’d fly to Austin & shoot a quick & dirty Bar ‘Refresh/Design Opening with 4x5 Colour Transparency .. (i owned a Pentax Spotmatic F - but was learning to print Colour Cibachrome)
A Texas shooter was shooting the same night on local magazine assignment & we bailed each other out - all night long until dawn.. he lent me lighting support & I lent him 4x5 support & film & explained ‘reciprocity filter tables’ to him re 10-30 minute exposures - This is an old story re many pro shooters - getting their 1st Break & Client - ‘Luck is the residue of design & effort’ so catch it if you can eh ?
PS .. that gal at the Provençal bar is Dylan’s mom .. & my ex haha ..
& my Best Man - a University of Pennsylvania- Full Scholarship hockey punk ‘Cabbagetown Kid’ from Toronto scored his very first Job with that Design/Architecture Company hoho !
Met him, his gal & dog when they arrived in Banff seeking work.. arrived in a red volkswagen beetle at the Sulphur Mountain Gondola Lift & asked if we were hiring ! Turned out she had arrived as a kid at my school the year I left for the farm & he played Football & Track with my cousins at St Mike’s ! They’re the couple & dog in my tale ‘Hitchhiking to Banff for Christmas Dinner’ from Vancouver 🦎🏴☠️🎬
Dee, I know that SI cover shot. Now I know who took that picture. Thanks!
Cool Bill. Thanks for reading 👊
This was wonderful complete with some awesome shots ! One of my faves is the Barry Bonds record setter taken at the perfect time (even though he was and continues to be a jerk). SI seems to get the credit for this stuff and often we forgot that it was an individual doing the work. The Tiger pic you have on your wall is incredible.
Thanks for introducing us to Robert Beck.
Thanks Ken. It was fun to write!
I bet ! ☺️
Yes sir! Without these folks we wouldn't have the visuals! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Cool story Dee. We often focus on the athletes without thinking of the other people who bring the events to life. This was a great reflection on a contributor to the sports world.
Loved these photographs. Thanks Dee.
thanks David. Always appreciate you reading. Cheers.