193Kviews
17 Risky Photos From ‘Golden Age Of Paparazzi’ Exhibit That Prove They Were Even More Annoying Back Then
193Kviews
While the paparazzi are often harshly vilified by the media, celebrities, and onlookers alike, a new photo series exhibit at the Centro Italiano per la Fotografia in Turin presents their controversial work as a unique art form.
The term 'paparazzo' (plural: paparazzi) was introduced to the world via Walter Santesso's role as a persistent news photographer in Federico Fellini's iconic 1960 film, La Dolce Vita. This started both a cultural 'Golden Age' in Italy and a rampant international increase in brazen cameramen invading the personal space of famous people for that perfect, intimate, newsworthy shot. Some popular celebrities were flattered, while others became violent. Artists and photo editors, such as the British Alison Jackson, even resorted to staging 'scandalous' photos of the rich and famous using lookalike actors.
The profession's glory days came to a screeching halt in 1997 when Princess Diana's tragic death in a Paris car crash was blamed by some media outlets on the paparazzi who chased her in a nearby vehicle. Today, the paparazzi face numerous legal restrictions as the catalysts for anti-stalking and harassment bills in many countries, and many are currently under restraining orders.
Whether you love or hate the job, the vintage photos showcased at Arrivano i Paparazzi in Turin provide a nostalgic window into the past, as well as a poignant commentary on the struggle for privacy famous people still face. Scroll down to see our favorite black and white photos, and vote for the ones that made the most impact on you.
This post may include affiliate links.
Anita Ekberg Facing The Paparazzi With Bow And Arrows, October 20, 1960
Kate Moss And David Bowie, 2003
RELAX folks - YES, this is staged because it is one of many pics from a photoshoot of David Bowie and Kate Moss taken by the great Ellen von Unwerth for the October 2003 issue of Q magazine.
Jackie Kennedy Captured By A Celebrity Photographer While Walking Quietly On Madison Avenue In New York. October, 1971
There was a documentary about Jackie on Netflix a while back and apparently, this photographer stalked her to the point where she had to take out a restraining order on him.
Brigitte Bardot Leaves The Hotel Forum. Rome, 1965
Tazio Secchiaroli Flees An Angry Walter Chiari. The Actor At The Time Was In A Relationship With Superstar Ava Gardner And Was Followed Every Step By Paparazzi. Rome, 1957
Before Paparazzi sued! Chiari has two fists with his name on both of them.
Sofia Loren At Ciampino Airport, Returning From The United States. Rome, November 14th, 1961
I know she must have not liked this ... But I really like this pic...
Aiché Nanà's Striptease At Rugantino's Restaurant, Rome 1958. Aiché Nanà And Tazio Secchiaroli, Whom Took The Picture, Were Both Fellini's Inspirations For The Film "La Dolce Vita." The Film's Character Paparazzo, Inspired By Secchiaroli, Is The Origin Of The Word Paparazzi
The difference between the men and women faces and body language is great!
Photojournalist Tazio Secchiaroli Hides Armed With His Camera. Rome, 1958
Geez, hiding with an expression like that, he looks like a sleazy peeping tom that should be aware of how shady he is or whatever. :p
Lucien Benedetti And Marina Meucci Stand Against The Photographer. Rome, Circa 1965
Stefania Sandrelli. Rome, Early 60s
Soraya's Arrival At Termini Station Attracts The Attention Of "Assault Photographers"
Anthony Steel Lashes Out Against Photographers. Rome, August 1958
he's getting chased and still taking pictures? wow this dude has the dedication of a thousand hungry roaches
Alain Delon And Romy Schneider Dance During The Golden Age Ciak Evening At Brigadoon Restaurant. Rome, July 29, 1961
Patrizia Pellegrino With Her Children Play On The Marina Beach
I remember seeing a paparazzi picture of Jennifer Lawrence in a bathing suit. It said some cute headline about her but when you looked at the picture, she looked like she was trying to get away from the photographer and her face is distressed. I couldn't believe they posted it. It was disturbing.
I don't understand why people want their stars to look horrible, upset, sad etc. The whoe point of a star is to be glamorous and sell a dream, an illusion. And to get these 'candid' pictures paparazzi are absolut c*nts towards the stars, cussing at them, harrassing them, scaring them etc. They rang Amy Winehouses doorbell shouting that one of her friends is dying outside - and then sold a picture of a dishevelled and distraught Amy to the mags. I don't understand why that is legal.
The worst time in paparazzi history is surely when they chased princess Diana to her death.. rip.
I remember seeing a paparazzi picture of Jennifer Lawrence in a bathing suit. It said some cute headline about her but when you looked at the picture, she looked like she was trying to get away from the photographer and her face is distressed. I couldn't believe they posted it. It was disturbing.
I don't understand why people want their stars to look horrible, upset, sad etc. The whoe point of a star is to be glamorous and sell a dream, an illusion. And to get these 'candid' pictures paparazzi are absolut c*nts towards the stars, cussing at them, harrassing them, scaring them etc. They rang Amy Winehouses doorbell shouting that one of her friends is dying outside - and then sold a picture of a dishevelled and distraught Amy to the mags. I don't understand why that is legal.
The worst time in paparazzi history is surely when they chased princess Diana to her death.. rip.