The Birth Of Paparazzi & Photo Syndication

Guess how many photographers were outside of Chasen’s taking this photo with us back in 1978? Just two, including us! Today, you would never get this close to Jacko and if you did there would be a Dog Pack of fifty paps.

When this photo of Michael Jackson was taken, there were no mobs of Paparazzi anywhere. There was only a small market for Paparazzi photography and it was really limited to the National Equirer and National Star. The biggest market for any and all types of celebrity photography was Japan and Germany. Music Life in Japan and Bravo, Bunte and Freiziet in Germany.

Since we had personally visited all of these markets back in the 70’s, we knew what to do with these photos, but most photographers were totally clueless. You would mention to a photographer about Japanese and European sales and they would just look at you with a blank stare. They just did not get it so we had the markets pretty much all to ourselves.

Now today the markets are tremendous and Paparazzi photography is all the rage. There are dozens of countries who buy this stuff and there are hundreds of publications. Unfortunately, we do not have these markets to ourselves anymore. The word is out that this is a fun and potentially a profitable business ( if you know what you are doing ), but the competition is incredible.

What is interesting about this photo was that we were with Michael all evening at this Grammy Party. We could shoot him inside and he would do anything for our camera. Sure we sold some photos of him inside posing with other celebrities, but the photograph that stands out now almost thirty years later is this one of him on the sidewalk. Probably because it is so natural and you can catch the real Michael.

Today the business is not as easy as it was a couple of years ago. Prices are lower due to the flood of material on the market. You can still do a really good business, but you need to fight for it. It is all still great fun and that is what keeps us coming back to this industry.

Remember, these are exciting times in our industry. There are more magazines and photo outlets than ever. The biggest markets are the USA, Australia and the UK, just to name a few. DO NOT SELL OUT! Keep your copyright and have it professionally managed.

We have decades of experience and maintain a wonderful and personal relationship with all of our clients. Contract us if you are a Paparazzo and would like to be part of our small, but tight Buzz Foto family. We follow all the rules including all California laws. We only work with paparazzi who are thinking for the long term and not the qucik buck!