I just interviewed this photographer (not the CEO) who has been taking photographs for magazines and teaching photography for 45 years. It was a privilege to have access to this man’s wisdom. He’s a leftist radical sort who grew up in the sixties and his photos are very political. He followed McCain, Clinton and Obama’s campaign trail for Vanity Fair. He has published several collections, including one on Boxing and fashion called Runway. He photographs Oscar parties for Vanity Fair but his purpose isn’t to make them look good. He is a realist sociologist of sorts, interested in human nature, social interaction and expression.

This is Larry.

A photo of Obama amongst the crowd after a speech that Larry shot.

I love the social commentary of this photo. Hugh Hefner and his three girls. Faceless. He almost exclusively shoots in black and white because according to him, color is a distraction.

A still from his satirical series on Bush “Forbidden Pictures.” It was going to be published in the New York Times but 9/11 hit and publication of the photos was canceled.

Some of his works

From his collection on fashion, Runway. See how sickly these girls look?

It was a fantastic interview. We shared ideas about the way American culture has changed, including the hopelessness of the future, our apathy and over estimation of ourselves. He was sympathetic to the fear young people must be feeling right now living in a transformational era that seems uncertain. He complimented the depth of my questions and called me cool. I was actually a bit afraid of this interview because the man is eccentric and about to turn 70. But he was really like a sweet grandfather. He gave me his email address so we can be pen pals. :)

He has some shows coming to L.A. His Oscar photos will be featured in LACMA and he has an exhibition at Fahey/Klein Gallery early next year.