The paparazzi are pure evil for some, but for others they are an opportunity to learn as much as possible about the lives of celebrities. The Centre Pompidou-Metz, a French museum of contemporary art, organized an exhibition a few months ago of the best paparazzi photos of the past half-century. Although many paparazzi don’t consider themselves artists, as they say their goal is to spy on the lives of celebrities and sell the pictures for more money, some of the works can be called works of art. See funny, sometimes scandalous, but still stunning paparazzi shots from the last half century.
- The paparazzi are waiting at the airport for Anita Ekberg – a shot from the movie “Sweet Life.”
The fictional character of the paparazzi photographer who persistently follows the life of a movie star was created by Federico Fellini in the film “La Dolce Vita” (“Sweet Life”) in 1960. Since then, photographers who take pictures of celebrities without their knowledge have been commonly referred to as paparazzi.
- Princess Diana. This is a shot of Alison Jackson, who likes to take pictures of celebrity impersonators.
At first the paparazzi targets were mostly actresses, then – politicians and their relatives and members of the British royal family.
3. Mick Jagger and Arnold Schwarzenegger leaving a hotel in Antibes, France, 1990.
Photographs taken from hiding, blurry, sloppy compositions, with sharp flashes – that’s how you can describe the style of the paparazzi, who usually use long lenses to take pictures, move fast cars and wait for hours for their “victims” in front of their homes or favorite restaurants.
- Photo: The contents of Madonna’s trash can, 1990.
- George W. Bush trying to put together a Rubik’s cube is one of Alison Jackson’s most famous photos, which likes to play with the image of famous people.
- Marlene Dietrich attacked the photographer who tried to photograph her at the airport in Paris. But the other paparazzi was luckier.
The insolence of the ubiquitous paparazzi, who take pictures despite protests, sometimes causes the stars aggression, often leading to violence.
- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie getting into a car in Paris
One thing is certain, the paparazzi are depriving their “victims” of their right to privacy. Many of them call it the price of fame and notoriety.
- The paparazzi’s favorite model Kate Moss after a fashion show in Paris, 1992
The authors of the photos published in magazines claim that the readers get what they want to see. Maybe that’s why they so often provoke celebrities. Or maybe it’s because they get paid more for such pictures?
- Robert Redford and Costa Gavras are besieged by paparazzi after leaving a restaurant, 1976.
10. “Antonia + Taxi,” 1962.