August 2009 – Terry O’Neill: Behind the Scenes
Terry O’Neill may be renowned for capturing celebrities in candid settings, but make no mistake — the British photographer is an icon in his own right.
O’Neill ventured into photography to sustain his ambition of becoming a jazz drummer, kick-starting his career when he stumbled upon the Home Secretary sleeping in Heathrow airport. The image subsequently appeared on the cover of the Sunday Dispatch, securing O’Neill employment with the Daily Sketch in 1959.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, O’Neill immortalised pop culture idols on film, offering a sneak peek into the world of the rich and famous. A reflective Audrey Hepburn with a pristine white dove perched on her shoulder; windswept Brigitte Bardot dangling a cigar from pouty lips; ex-wife and actress Faye Dunaway reclining in post-Oscar ennui; these are just a handful of O’Neill’s iconic portraits.
Chic Today steps Behind the Scenes with Terry O’Neill, whose creative spontaneity cemented his status as one of this century’s pioneering photographers.
