#harrybenson

Harry Benson (Scottish, born 1929)

I have vivid memories of being 8 or 9 and traveling into the city on one hot summer day. Though I wasn’t aware of it at the time, I was headed to one of the most exclusive events taking place in the city that day: a book release party for world renowned photographer Harry Benson. 

These kind of events of course aren’t typical for my family. However, it just so happens that Benson is a second cousin to my Dad and we somehow managed to be invited. Back then, I was not that interested into photography and remember finding the crowded event overwhelming, but looking back today, I wish I could go back in time. 

In short, through his career in photography, Benson has received dozens of photography awards, authored multiple books, appeared in 40 solo gallery exhibitions, been honored by Queen Elizabeth II, and so much more.

Benson is most famously known for his portraits of the Beatles in 1964. However, Benson did much more than Beatles or just celebrity photography for magazine covers. In fact, it’s how much range his photography has that keeps me inspired by him

The Pillow Fight, 1964

In fact, Benson’s photojournalism collection is some of his most impressive work. Spanning over decades, his photographs includes everything from black and white film pictures from the civil rights era all the way to color and digital photos of recent America.

His photography is so diverse that its hard not to be impressed and wondering how one person could possibly have taken all these photos himself. While most photographers find their specific niche in technique and subject, Benson constantly switches it up. 

Although I only met him the one time back in 2012 and our family ties are pretty distant, I feel lucky to say I have any connection to a photographer as talented as him. He reminds me to continue to experiment and step out of what is easy in order to create pictures that are new and exciting. 

--Eliza Barr, Imagemakers 2020

The Beatles arrive at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, Boston, Massachusetts, on the 18th August 1966. 

“When John said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.“

“The other Beatles were not happy with him. There was talk of them cancelling all the shows and people were burning records and photographs in the street and John was crying and said to me ‘Harry, why did I open my big mouth?”

[Harry Benson]

The above photo, taken by Harry Benson is during the 1966 US tour and the infamous ‘bigger than Jesus’ controversy. Harry Benson also said this about John:

“John was the best looking. He never went out of his way to be a disagreeable person. He would be the one to go over and just sit and sign some little girl’s book.”

The Beatles working on I Feel Fine at George V Hotel, Paris, Jan/Feb 1964. 

Ringo and fans in Miami, February 1964. 

George, sick in bed at his hotel, the Plaza, New York in February 1964.