LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Seventies pop culture photographer Brad Elterman (www.bradelterman.tumblr.com) and Buzz Foto (www.buzzfoto.com), a leading paparazzi photo agency based in Los Angeles, will co-exhibit their photographs at the Tabloid Museum (http://www.tabloid-tcd.com) in Tokyo from November 27 – December 28, with an opening night reception on November 26. The public is invited.
The exhibition showcases and contrasts the coverage of pop culture between the 1970′s and today. Highlights on display from Elterman’s early work include images of Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, David Bowie and Madonna. “The Seventies was a different era than what we are experiencing today,” says Elterman. “I was hanging out and photographing icons who were also cultural heroes, like The Ramones and Bob Dylan. Fast forward to today where Buzz Foto photographers are covering celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan. To me the difference is like night and day.”
Representing Buzz Foto at the Tabloid exhibition is the work of Buzz Foto co-founder Henry Flores (www.henryflores.tumblr.com) and New York photographer Christopher Peterson. Flores argues, “Pop culture is still alive in 2010, but it is a whole new breed of talent and a new generation of followers. Sure, finding the true icons is like finding a diamond in the rough, but talent today still needs to be photographed for the magazines and now especially for the internet, where huge audiences wait every moment for the next image.”
“It is incredibly important as a photographer for my imagery to stand out from the millions of images on the market, and that is what makes my profession so interesting,” says Christopher Peterson. “I try to achieve an iconic image that will catch the editor’s eye and hold the attention of the reader. Most importantly, I want my images have a sense of style and elegance. Today it is all about the fashion in the streets and what brands the stars are wearing.”
Elterman made his first trip to Tokyo in 1979 with pop star Leif Garret. “Japan has always been a very warm and special market for my early photographs. I worked for Music Life and Rock Show magazines for years, starting in 1975. These great magazines started my career in the photo world,” says Elterman. “I am honored and emotionally touched to be part of this exciting photo exhibition in Japan and I look forward to meeting as many fans as possible.”
Tabloid is produced by Isao Murayama, Masayuki Asayama and Yoshiihiro Ikka, head of Libro Arte Publishing. “It all started when Brad visited my photo gallery bar in Shinjuku last spring. Looking at the images in his book… they brought me to 1970′s America. I was deeply moved by those timeless images and decided to show them to as many people as possible,” commented Ikka. Legendary Tokyo photo agent Asayama added, “I am thrilled to be involved in this historical event. It would be the first celebrity photo exhibition in Japan showing both archive images and present day celebrity images. Japanese people will love them.” Producer Murayama summed it up saying, “An accumulation of coincidences brought us an exhibition of Brad Elterman in Japan. God knows when it would happen again. The essential value of the collaboration and materials related to this event is huge and will have a big impact.”

BuzzFoto’s Brad Elterman was searching for new talent for these pages and he lucked out when he met and photographed Alexia Starchild last week. Brad’s predication is that Alexia will be the new queen of Pop Culture. We tend to agree!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Talk about a RAW photo! This is what it is all about. Doesn’t matter what kind of camera you are using. The goal is to get a RAW photo that captures a special moment!

This polaroid of a sixteen year old Matt Dillon comes from our very own Brad Elterman’s upcoming coffee table book, “Like It Was Yesterday”. Here is an excerpt:

1980: I received a phone call from the editor of Superteen magazine to do a photo shoot with this unknown sixteen-year old actor, Matt Dillon. She asked me to call Vic Ramos, his manager, at some hotel and set it up. I called and the next day Vic and Matt showed up at my home. Vic read a magazine and I took some photos. No hair, makeup, or stylist. No over-produced sets or publicists getting in the way. I shot this with just one strobe head. That was the way film stars were shot back then. I ran into Matt at Barfly about fifteen years later. He did not have a clue who I was, nor did he care. He also walked off with the girl whom I had just met in the parking lot that evening.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Today is Michael Jackson’s birthday (1958-2009) which would have made him 52 today. In honor of the day, we thought we’d post a pic that BuzzFoto’s Brad Elterman took of the pop legend in 1980. The world will never know “Celebrity” like it did with Michael Jackson. Brad said of this photo:
” I was shooting this evening for the P.R. department of then Columbia Records. It was at the Universal Amphitheater and I remember David Geffen was somehow involved with the event. Back then, Michael did not travel with a gang of bodyguards and umbrellas. Liza had been performing that evening and she gave Michael a bit hug just for my camera.”

We were very honored to see a feature that camerabag.tv did on Co-owner of BuzzFoto,
Brad Elterman. Watch the video above to learn about the life and work of one of BuzzFoto’s founders. Brad has been in the business a long time and you might have seen his photos on television, in biopics, books, magazines or around the web. (The video is a little NSFW for some photos that are artistic, but a little risque. Hey, it was the 70′s!) This is an amazing tribute and camerabag.tv were so generous and cool to work with!

BuzzFoto’s Brad Elterman was honored to be asked to speak to a classroom full of LA’s up and coming best and brightest photographers at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Brad had a wonderful time talking about his iconic imagery and rubbing elbows with the talented artists.

Check out the amazing photographer who snapped this photo of Brad, David Gin Lee on Facebook!

Photo by David Gin Lee/BuzzFoto.com

Here is another excerpt from Buzz Fotos’ Brad Elterman’s new coffee table book, “Like It Was Yesterday”, which will be released this fall by Seventy Seven Press LLC.

Duran at the Riot House

1981: I was a really big Duran Duran fan. Everything about the band was so cool. I read about them in the European press and of course, I had heard their records all over the radio. A couple of days before their debut showcase at the Roxy, I called up their road manager at the Hyatt House (we used to call it the Riot House) and asked for a photo session. I could have told him I was shooting for Music Life and Rock Show, which were amazing magazines in Japan regularly publishing my work. The band had nothing better to do, so it was arranged and I met them at the hotel pool.

They did not have a clue about getting around in Los Angeles; so, I piled them into my old Mercedes and gave them a tour of the Sunset Strip. The photo session was amazing and John Taylor made sure that I was on the guest list for the gig that evening. The following year, Andy Taylor got married at the Chateau Marmont Hotel and I just kind of showed up with some friends and joined the bash. Camera in hand, of course.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

“”The only real legitimate photography going on is by paparazzi.” according to legendary photographer Harry Benson. We tend to agree with Harry. Check out this fascinating article in the New York Observer by Michael Miller, ” The Paparazzi: Snapshot Of Our Times”.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

We are pleased to provide our BuzzFoto readers with an excerpt of our very own Brad Elterman’s new book coffee table book, “Like It Was Yesterday”. The book will be released this fall. Watch here for more details.

I Was A Teenage Paparazzo 1975

I wanted to take David Bowie’s photo in the worst way. I had called his publicist asking for a photo pass, but I was turned down. No one knew me at the time and Bowie had a couple of photographers who did most of his coverage, but this was not going to stop me.
I had a tip that he was having a late night recording session at Cherokee Recording Studios on Fairfax Blvd in Hollywood. The tip came from a very reliable source; so, I cut school, got there really early in the morning, and waited for Bowie to emerge. 6am Bowie walked out and the early morning light was magic. All he said to me was “Good Morning.” Since no one was really doing paparazzi-style photography back then both Bowie and his producer, Paul Buckmaster, thought my approach was incredibly hysterical. Word got out to all of the publicists in town that I was bold enough to perform this sort of ambush, but since I was a teenage kid, they all found it amusing. Creem ran the photograph as a full page in their “Stars And Their Cars” section…. Brad Elterman

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Even if the true celebrity icons are now gone, BuzzFoto is reaching out to qualified photographers interested in being part of our dynamic team. The industry is changing daily and we are interested in working with only the true professionals who are interested in producing elegant iconic paparazzi imagery.

We hope all of our American friends are enjoying a safe and fun Holiday weekend and that our friends around the world will enjoy this legendary photo Brad Elterman took of The Ramones on Sunset Boulevard 1978.

The Ramones were staying at the Sunset Marquis, near the current House of Blues. Their manager Danny Fields let Brad grab the band from their rooms for this quick shot.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Did you see co-owner of BuzzFoto Brad Elterman on HBO last night? Brad made his appearance on Leon Gast’s documentary Smash His Camera last night about the first American Paparazzo Ron Galella. Ron is a good friend of Buzz and Brad and it was honor to be in the film!
Check out more info on the film and the “Superstar Paparazzi” at www.HBO.com!
You can also follow Brad on his Tumblr here!

Photo by BuzzFoto.com

Michael Jackson’s passing was the death heard round the world. Michael’s music touched so many people in so many ways, we couldn’t help but pay tribute to to star. This photo was taken on the sidewalk at the old Chasen’s Restaurant in 1978. RIP Michael.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Since it’s Memorial Day in the States, we thought we’d show you some fantastic archive photos of the stars that have gone before us. This is John Lennon with Ringo Starr arriving at the On The Rox nightclub in 1976! Lennon famously said, “Everybody loves you when you’re six foot in the ground.” We know at least in his case, he’s been beloved ever since we first saw him emerge in 1960!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Cheers! Brad Elterman, co-owner of BuzzFoto is currently in London promoting some of his iconic images! Here he is at the Apple Store on Regent Street! You can check out more of his imagery on BradElterman.com

Photo by Ryan Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Visit Buzz Foto’s Brad Elterman this evening at Apple Store Regent Street London! Brad will be speaking about his early paparazzi and session work with great stars like Joan Jett, Debbie Harry & The Ramones! CHECK IT OUT!

Here’s a great photo that really turns back the clock! Unless you’ve been living under a rock this last year, you’ll know that Joan Jett is the quintessential resurrected “It Girl.” Our Brad Elterman took this picture in Sherman Oaks in 1977 of Joan. She looked amazing and vibrant with attitude, sounds like the Joan we know and love today!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

We had the pleasure of meeting photographer RJ Shaughnessy at his LEADAPRON opening last week. His work is brilliant and refreshing. Check out his new book “These Photographs Will Heal Your Soul”. We hope to see RJ again soon.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com
 

We know talent when we see it and we saw it last night when we met CC Sheffield at LeadApron. The vivacious beauty reminded us of a cross between Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Check out her amazing FaceHunter video!

We took the photo on a roll of film to give us that Helmut Newtwon look!

Iconic photograph by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com
 

We were thrilled to meet and photograph incrowd blogger FaceHunter, Yvan Rodic, last night at Lead Apron where he was signing copies of his new and very cool book. Brilliant work!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

This is our friend Ron Galella the greatest paparazzo ever! We took the photo in 1978 backstage at a Leif Garrett concert in Houston, Texas.

If you are a trained paparazzo in Los Angeles or Miami, we would be delighted to speak with you about representing your work. We are only interested in working with paparazzi who take pride in their work, follow all the rules and are legal residents.

Remember do not miss the Leon Gast documentary, Smash His Camera!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Last night we attended the opening of “Rooms” presented by the Scion Gallery in Culver City. There was some amazing art by Adam Wallacavage, Bill Daniel, Chris Stain, Dueling VHS, Dan Monick & Caitlin Reilly, Justin Van Hoy, Kime Buzzelli and Rocky Grimes.

There were so many cool photo oops there last night. This is our favorite.

Check out the show which runs through May 15.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Is this Japan’s answer to Lady Gaga? Ms. Gagaloo better look out because she has some competition! When we were out on the street of the fabulous city of Tokyo, we ran into this girl in Shibuya! We can’t get enough of the awesome and sometimes crazy style here!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Today we’d like to remember legendary Celebrity Photographer Jim Marshall who passed away in his hotel room on Tuesday in New York. He was 74. Our mentor and friend, Jim is responsible in part for telling the history of Rock’n'Roll through imagery. No photographer today could do what he did! You might remember his famous Johnny Cash photo at San Quentin Prison with his middle finger pointed right at the camera, or Jimmy Hendrix with his guitar at the 1967’s Monterey International Pop Festival. These are just a few of the famous photographs that Jim took in his lifetime.

He has contributed a great deal to popular culture and Rock’n'Roll history. Our Brad Elterman took this photo of Jim in the summer of 2008 at the Duncan Miller Gallery. RIP Jim, you will be missed!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Half of Buzz Foto with Joan Jett at The Runaways party. This movie is brilliant should not be missed!

We had a blast at the party for The Runaways this week. All of our friends were there from back in the day. Kristen Stewart was there of course and here she is bonding with our pal, They Mayor Of The Sunset Strip, Rodney Binghenheimer.

Photo by Brad Elterman
 

Pop Culture has changed so much since the seventies. Photographers back then were photographing all these cool bands and celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bob Dylan, The Ramones and Bowie. Today it is all about Kim, Khloe, Jessica, Hedi and Spencer. What can we say?

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

There is always a special photograph that changes the career and possibly the life of an emerging photographer. It was this photo of Bob Dylan and Ronee Blakley that certainly changed Brad Elterman’s. Dylan hated to have his photo taken, but looks like Brad charmed Bobbie and the photo wound up in People magazine in 1976. Seems like yesterday!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

This is a classic photo of Joan Jett from The Runaways was taken at Flookies a baseball and hot dog joint on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks taken by our Brad Elterman. Back in 1977 the words “photo approval” did not exist. It was all about trust and relationships. Make sure that you do not miss The Runaways film. We were honored to have be at the Sundance screening and it is amazing!!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com
 

We love this photo!!! We just found it in our archives and scanned it.That is Marie Curie, Jackie Fox and Cherie Curie of The Runaways photographed in the Curie’s backyard in 1977. Marie was not in the band, but it did not matter as the Japanese went totally nuts over her and sent out a team from Tokyo to sign her up for a record deal. Do not miss the new Runaways film out in March. It is a work of art and totally cosmic!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

If you were in-crowd or involved in the music industry around 1976 you knew that Rod Stewart played soccer every Saturday at the Coldwater Canyon park in Beverly Hills. He was nuts about his game. Actually, we probably got the original tip from his publicist Tony Toon, an amazing character, but that is another story.

We showed up there every weekend with a long lens and shot away. Rod never seemed to care and we would send our color slides to the teen publications at IPC in London. They purchased them all and demanded more. Soon we were selling the photos to Bravo in Germany and to all of the Japanese magazines of Rod kicking the soccer ball.

Photos of Rod kicking a ball can get a bit mundane after awhile, but if you really wanted to make the dosh, you needed to get Rod with a girl. This photo is just what the London Daily Mirror wanted. Not only did they love the chick in the photo, but Rod with his pint of beer in hand!

During these magical days at the Coldwater Canyon park, not once did anyone say “no photos” or did another photographer ever appear. Today it would be total bedlam to photograph a star of Rod’s magnitude in a public park. Good luck getting those great prices too. Today, even the park is gone. The last time we drove by it looked like some kind of sewage plant taken over by the Department Of Water & Power. Well, it was sure fun while it lasted!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

We took this photo of rock god Jimmy Page a post concert party for The Faces party in Los Angeles back in 1976. In all of our years in this business we never saw so many stars in one evening. At one table alone was Bob Dylan, Cher, Greg Allman, Joni Mithcell, Jimmy Page and Paul McCartney. If only we owned a wide angle lens back then!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

This could have been one incredible photograph and our very own Brad Elterman admits that he blew it. Hey, it happens to everyone and it is all part of the paparazzi learning curve. This is Debbie Harry from Blondie working some awards show at The Hollywood Palladium back in 1977. Brad’s concept was to make a photo of Debbie surrounded by the sea of photographers. In retrospect, in order to make a really great photograph, Debbie needed to be closer to the dog pack and what really pisses Brad off is that he chopped off her feet!. Sometimes you just get caught up in a moment!

Remember readers that composition is everything and you do it in the camera and not in PhotoShop!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com
 

Check out Heather Murphy’s article on NPR.ORG entitled “The Youngest And Oldest Paparazzi At Sundance” We were delighted to be quoted in the article about our pal Teenage Paparazzo Austin Visschedyk and our dear friend and mentor Ron Galella! We were very serious with the comparison of Ron’s work to Matisse and Walker Evans!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com
 

There is an old saying in our business that “you never forget your first paparazzi hose down” and it is so true. This weekend we checked the Buzz Foto archives and found that this is the earliest Buzz Foto paparazzi photograph on record and it dates back to 1975! We had a tip from our friend Michelle Myer that David Bowie was in town recording at Cherokee Recording Studios on Fairfax Blvd with legendary producer Paul Buckmaster. What a tip! Bowie was such an exciting figure in the seventies and his management had tight control of his imagery. We waited all night for the photo and at about 6am Bowie emerged holding the recording tapes and a smiling Buckmaster close behind. This was years before paparazzi was truly in vogue and Bowie, his publicist and RCA Records were all amused by the photo and our antics. As long as we live, we will never forget that beautiful morning!

Iconic Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Do you know who this handsome dude is? It is Kim Fowley living legend, founder,manager and producer of The Runaways. Buzz Foto’s Brad Elterman took this lovely photograph of Kim back in 1976 when The Runaways opened for Cheap Trick at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Looks like Kim was in fine form backstage, as always.

Just wait until you see Michael Shannon play Kim in new The Runaways film. Brad had the pleasure to meet Michael over the weekend at the post film Sundance party and shared with him his passion for photographing Kim over the years. He was and still is one of Brad’s favorite subjects to photograph.

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com
 

Joan Jett is at Sundance and last night she gave an incredible performance at Harry O’s! We had not seen Joan perform in over thirty years since her days with The Runaways, but like a bottle of fine Bordeaux, she only gets better with time. The Runaways lead singer Cherie Curie, Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart all joined Joan onstage for the performance and the crowd went nuts!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Hey Ron! Thank you for teaching us your famous “Ron Galella Car Shot” trick thirty years ago! Who ever thought that we would turn the tables on you? This car shot was taken in a full bloom blizzard!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

The mysterious and notorious street artist known as Banksy might have struck again in the snowy town of Park City! We snapped this photo of one of several works of wall art thought to be done by the illusive artist. Some residents are upset and plan to paint over the art, dismissing it as vandalism. Coincidentally, “Spotlight Surprise,” a movie premiering at Sundance tonight is rumored to be about Banksy. There is speculation whether Banksy will attend the premiere and finally be unmasked! Do you think this is a Banksy original?

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com

Buzz Foto is at Sundance in Park City! It is snowing up here and the weekend party is about to start. Late last evening our Brad Elterman was a guest of Adrian Grenier for the premiere of his film Teenage Paparazzo. Brad reports that the film is nothing short of a masterpiece. It is more in depth than just a teenager coming of age. It is a fascinating look at modern day paparazzi pop culture. This film is a must see! Jim Curtis Mol did an brilliant job editing this work of art. More coming, stay tuned!

Photo by BuzzFoto.com

We always preach that a photo must tell a story and this one is a prime example. Was Joan Jett suggesting that Buzz Foto photographer Brad Elterman “bug off” backstage in the Whiskey A Go Go dressing room back in 1977? What do you think?

Check out the cosmic Runaways t shirts that are available online. Totally cool!

Buzz Foto attended the opening night reception of Photo LA at the Santa Monica Civic Thursday evening. The wine and vodka was flowing and the stars danced on our plates! Brilliant photographs everywhere and some wonderful friends. The highlight of the evening was legendary punk rock legendary photographer Jenny Lens meeting David La Chapple. There is nothing like witnessing two legends meeting for the first time! La Chapple was amused by the meeting, but more interested in checking out photographer Andrew Tonkery’s brilliant tattoos!

Photo LA runs all weekend so check it out!!

Photo by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com