Behind the flashes and countless amounts of film, a photographer is
narrating a story. A tale that reveals facts, happy and sad times, and the depths of someone's soul. Capturing these moments in pictures makes history come to life.
Joodi Kopperman displays her talents in this same manner. She took photos of John Taylor during the beginning of his solo career. Lets us now take a look behind the lens and see what Joodi has to share.
Q/A:
What does your photography background consist of?
Can't really say that I have a background in photography. I am basically
self taught, but always enjoyed art classes in high school and college. I took an extension course at UCLA (basically "adult" school) about 10 years back. I wanted to get a better understanding of why I got the results I did and how I could duplicate my results. Basically, it just put everything I already knew into a better semblance of order in my mind. As long as I can remember, I was always the one to have the camera in my hands. I always loved being behind the lens.
Why did you decide to become a photographer?
I've always enjoyed it and after having people tell me they liked what I
did, I figured, maybe I should pursue it further.
What type(s) of photography do you enjoy doing?
My favorite photography is of travel/landscapes.
I spent a few months on a bicycle traveling around New Zealand last
year. I am working on putting a book together about the experience.
That was part of my intention as I traveled--to shoot the more unique
aspects of the countryside and the people.
I cut my teeth, as it were, with live photography of bands. I like the bright lighting vs the dark backgrounds. I like the stark contrast in colors and sharp lines created by stage lighting. When I shoot head shots, I like to use a lot of strong direct lighting to bring out shadows.
What do you like most about your job?
I'm only doing freelance photography, so I don't really consider it my job. I just enjoy the art of it. I like taking something people take for granted and show it from a different perspective.
How did your opportunity to work with John Taylor come about?
I said to him, "John, I wanna take your next photos" enough times to have it sink in. I knew John and he had seen some of my photos, so it wasn't completely out of the blue.
Did you know who John Taylor was before working with him, and if so,
what was your reaction?
Whenever I shoot a celebrity, I don't see the "star" when I'm looking through the lens. I see a subject and I try to shoot him/her in whatever way I can to get the best possible image. John's no different. I've probably seen thousands of images of John and Duran Duran over the years (as has anyone who has ever opened a music magazine in the 80's) and perhaps that might have been a bit daunting considering so many amazing photos of him have been taken.
What were the photo sessions between 1995-1998 like when you were
photographing John?
He's great to work with. He's very comfortable in front of the lens and it comes out in the photos.
What ideas did you and John have before deciding on the final photos during the time period?
Usually John would have an idea and we'd run with that first. Then we'd just look around the room we'd be in or go outside and see what we could work with. Nothing was ever really planned. One shot would lead to the next.
What is/was your impression of John?
Tall!
Do you photograph other celebrities, and if so, who are they?
I've done some work with Aussie magazines/
newspapers and shoot interviews, film premieres (when I have to-I hate
it!) and the odd film festival when I have time. My favorite shoots
were with Robert Altman and Guy Pearce.
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