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Much of what sets world-renowned photographer Henry Diltz apart from the rest is his organic approach to capturing his subjects. Diltz and art director Gary Burden worked together, encapsulating the timeless music pouring out of Southern California during the 1960s and 1970s. The pair's shared interest in leading a simple lifestyle quickly endeared them to the mainstays of the legendary music scene in and around Laurel Canyon at the time.
Everyone wanted to work with these guys. The Eagles' Glenn Frey described the two as being so discreet and easy to work with that, much of the time, he didn't even realize they were there.
The duo often planned big adventures for their shoots, photographing everything that took place. "Too many sessions are done in studios with lights and a backdrop; there's no story," Diltz explains. "Gary and I liked having real life happening when we shot."
Thanks to that philosophy, musicians were drawn to Diltz's innate ability to capture split-second, magical moments with his camera. "I believe if you just relax and let the universe do its thing, 'it' happens. Somehow an album cover would just show up amongst the shots!" Diltz explains.
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Diltz shot his latest album-cover photo for Long After the Fire, from collaborating couple John Cowsill (The Cowsills, who inspired The Partridge Family) and Vicki Peterson of the Bangles). The record, with its cover featuring a cozy shot of the couple in a truck, was released last month.
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1 Crosby Stills & Nash: self-titled debut Crosby Stills & Nash (1969)
Location: Abandoned lot off Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
2 The Doors: Morrison Hotel (1970)
Location: Morrison Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles
3 James Taylor: Sweet Baby James (1970)
Location: 'The Farm,' Laurel Canyon
4 America: Homecoming (1972)
Location: Back alley, Hollywood and Big Sur
5 Eagles: Desperado (1973)
Location: Paramount Ranch, Malibu Canyon
Bonus Track!
Dan Fogelberg: Souvenirs (1974)
Location: Gary Burden’s home, Topanga Canyon
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