Big Sis Writes
‘THE MUSIC HE SAW’ Michael Putland
The photographer who “never took a day off in the 70’s”
As a hair and makeup artist, I had the privilege of working with some of the industry’s leading photographers. One man stood out above the rest and was, in fact, the inspiration behind me picking up the Nikon D40 our Father gifted me, and adding natural light portrait photography into my creative repertoire.
That man was Michael Putland, who six years ago sadly passed away. But his memory is cemented in photographic history. Here I tell the collective story of the man with the ‘eye for music’.
Music and performance have been a lifetime love of mine. As a former dancer and choreographer, the fusion of music and images as a ‘sensual feast’ is something I have always found fascinating. When you can feel the vibe and see the energy, a theatrical moment captured, ‘blood, sweat and tears’. The combination of a skilled eye, timing and, as I’ve been told, sometimes luck. But who are the eyes and heartbeat behind the captivating lens?
Michael Putland was born in 1947 and grew up in Harrow. I remember him laughing as he told me about the first time he picked up his Grandmother’s box brownie camera, taking a photo of a beach scene in 1956, aged 9. He smiled, recalling how “the composition of the picture was good, but it was rather blurred”. He left school at 16 and worked as an assistant to various photographers, including Time Life photographer Walter Curtin, before setting up his first studio in London in 1969.
In those days, you could simply walk into magazine offices. Michael would go in the back door at Melody Maker and New Musical Express, quietly leaving prints on desks. After a couple of years with no luck and debts mounting, he decided to quit photography and “get a proper job as a printer”. As he packed up his studio, the phone rang. It was Judy Nokes offering him a job. When she said, “it’s Mick Jagger,” his response was immediate: “Ok I’ll do it!”
This was the turning point.
A long association with Disc and Music Echo followed, alongside a 17-year relationship with The Rolling Stones. In 1973, he toured with them for six weeks, recalling the relentless pace of working without digital technology:
“I didn’t cover every night… I shot, flew home, processed the film, made the prints, delivered them, then went straight back to the airport.”
He later said, “I never had a day off in the 70’s” and he truly didn’t.
Demand for Michael’s work was immense. He shot continuously for leading music publications and major record labels, capturing artists with a rare honesty and instinct. His generosity as a mentor became just as well known as his photography. Jill Furminovsky recalled shouting across a gig for technical advice, only for Michael to shout back precise instructions with a smile - an act of kindness she never forgot.
In 1977, Michael relocated to New York and founded Retna Pictures, which became one of the most respected photographic agencies in the world. Its archive grew to include iconic images of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Elton John and countless others.
Julie Grahame, Director of Retna NY, described him as “open, non-judgmental… not interested in ego or competing.” He supported younger photographers, ensuring opportunities were shared. His passion for people was as strong as his passion for photography.
I met Michael early in my career after graduating from Brushstroke at Shepperton Studios. I joined Retna as a freelance hair and make-up artist and was soon sent on assignments. We finally met on a shoot in Henley-on-Thames, where I was living at the time. We connected instantly, creatively and in temperament.
The relationship between photographer and make-up artist should be one of intuition and trust. Ours was no exception. By the end of that first day, Michael said, “Lorraine, I don’t want to work with anyone else but you.” We shared the same eye for detail and love of perfection. He never retouched or airbrushed our work, there was no need and what he saw, he captured.
Over 15 years, we worked together across the world, from Miami Beach to the Inner Hebrides, creating both commissioned and personal projects. Michael was fascinated by my makeup artistry, and I was equally captivated by his use of ambient light. I remember preparing hair and makeup at dawn, chasing “that golden light” he so loved. His excitement for natural light was infectious.
Michael had an extraordinary ability to put people at ease. His style was cinematic, real, and honest, capturing the true essence of his subjects. There was always something deeper in his images, a quiet understanding between photographer and subject.
Those who knew him, speak not only of his extraordinary archive but of his character. Matthew Butson of Getty Images described him as “one of the true gentlemen, kind, thoughtful and always humble.” Photographer Edu Hawkins reflected that “the essence of good music photography, is the communication of personality, moment and feeling,” something Michael embodied completely.
He photographed legends David Bowie, John Lennon, Madonna, The Cure, ABBA to Zappa and yet remained grounded. His love of jazz led him to Ronnie Scott’s, and even in later years, he continued shooting major live events, including Vasco Rossi’s 225,000-strong concert in Italy and our work together with Jazz legend Norma Winston for her 75th Birthday Concert PR and the face of Indie Jazz, Marie Naffah.
In later life, Michael lived peacefully between Provence and the UK. His wife, Sophie Putland, spoke of his humility and deep respect for those he photographed, qualities that allowed him to reveal the soul of his subjects so effortlessly.
The final decade of his life saw a series of exhibitions celebrating his work, including a 50-year retrospective at Getty Gallery and shows across Europe. His book The Music I Saw, stands as a lasting testament to his extraordinary career.
On 18th November 2019, Michael passed away, peacefully at home, after a short illness.
Micheal has left an indelible imprint through his work and a lasting legacy.
“It has been a fantastic ride through an incredible period of music history, which combined my two great loves … music and photography. Little did I appreciate, when my Uncle Alan encouraged my photography back in the 1950s, that this would lead me to photographing nearly all of my heroes …” Michael Putland
Michael’s book 'The Music I Saw' is available to order from his website: www.michaelputland.com
Michael and Lorraine - 2017