Under the Cover
Jeff Lipsky, who photographed Kelly Clarkson for this month’s cover, talks about working with celebrities and what it means to be “a natural.”
texasmonthly.com: How did you get involved in photography?
Jeff Lipsky: Old Life magazines.
texasmonthly.com: Do you think photographs can really capture the essence of a person?
JL: If the photographer and the subject have an understanding of each other, then yes.
texasmonthly.com: Do you like to be photographed?
JL: I don’t mind at all as long as it’s fun.
texasmonthly.com: What’s the best way to make a person look flattering?
JL: To each his own.
texasmonthly.com: How can the person being photographed make your job easier?
JL: By enjoying the process.
texasmonthly.com: I hear the phrase “you’re a natural” used to describe people who are easy to photograph. What does that mean?
JL: It’s when a subject gives off energy that shows in the photograph.
texasmonthly.com: How did you get into the business of photographing celebrities?
JL: I started my photography career in L.A.—when in Rome…
texasmonthly.com: I’ve seen some of your work, including photographs of Lindsay Lohan and Brittany Murphy. What is it like working with celebrities?
JL: Great.
texasmonthly.com: What was it like photographing Kelly Clarkson for the cover image of the May 2005 issue of Texas Monthly?
JL: A pleasure.
texasmonthly.com: Did she ham it up for the camera?
Yes, she was herself.
texasmonthly.com: How long do photo shoots usually take?
JL: Twenty minutes to eternity.
My Library
