Imagine uncovering the fascinating life of a photographer whose lens has captured both the raw intensity of social justice movements and the glamorous sparkle of Hollywood legends. But here's where it gets controversial—how does one person manage to excel at documenting such vastly different worlds? That’s exactly what the new documentary, titled 'Being Everywhere,' directed by Maura Smith and set to be released by Abramorama on October 4, explores.
This film shines a spotlight on Steve Schapiro, a renowned still photographer whose work has left an indelible mark across multiple spheres. While many recognize him for his striking images of civil rights protests and social justice issues, he is equally celebrated within Hollywood circles as one of the most beloved photographers of iconic film stars. His reputation in that glamorous realm is built on a series of memorable collaborations, most notably with Barbra Streisand.
For Streisand, Schapiro’s photography captured moments that went beyond simple images—they told stories. Their collaboration began when her then-boyfriend Jon Peters styled her hair to craft a fresh look for the film 'A Star Is Born,' a moment Schapiro immortalized. He also shot her on the cover of Newsweek in 1970. Streisand herself remarked that Schapiro had a uniquely sensitive and intuitive eye, able to seize the perfect shot at exactly the right moment. Their professional relationship extended through several of her films, including 'Funny Girl,' 'Funny Lady,' 'The Way We Were,' 'Up the Sandbox,' and 'A Star Is Born.'
Apart from capturing portrait moments, Schapiro also designed album covers for classic records like 'Superman,' 'Lazy Afternoon,' and 'The Way We Were.' Behind the scenes, he was the photographer on set for some of Hollywood’s most iconic films—think 'The Godfather,' 'Chinatown,' and 'Midnight Cowboy.' His work is so influential that when Robert Redford recently passed away, People Magazine chose his photograph for the cover story. Plus, his photographs are prominently featured in the upcoming documentary about John Candy, illustrating just how extensively his imagery has shaped our visual understanding of these cultural icons.
In essence, Schapiro’s career weaves through pivotal moments in both social justice and cinematic history, proving that a photographer’s lens can be just as powerful in documenting change as it is in capturing star-studded glamour. But here’s a question to ponder: does the duality of his work challenge or reinforce our ideas about what it means to be a great photographer? Would you see these two worlds—social activism and Hollywood glamour—as separate or interconnected? Drop your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
