The Michael Jackson Reel
Gregg Cobarr
Part II
Christina Chaffin
Aug. 17, 1978
Aug. 17, 1978
Day Two: Thursday - August 17, 1978
How would you describe day two of photographing The Jacksons?
Natural. It was very natural.
My idea for day two of shooting was to go to Jackie [Jackson's] home and photograph the group around different areas on the grounds. Jackie lived by a lake and it was really beautiful. That day, we took plenty of photos by the lake, on the dock and in Jackie's electric boat. It was just a really cool day and the photos in the boat turned out really cool!
When thinking back, what's something unique that happened during that particular day of shooting?
Something unique from that second day, (August 17, 1978) was a specific request that came through from the record company. In addition to photographing The Jacksons, Epic also wanted us to photograph Janet [Jackson] as well because, from what I was told, they had some possible music-related plans for her. Those shots turned out great of her as well, and it was nice because you could tell she was relaxed and having fun with her brothers.
I also love the photos that I took just of Michael that day. They were wonderful, and he was just relaxed and having fun. Those photos show the truth behind that entire day. You look at the photos, and you see Michael laughing and smiling with the sun shining on the lake in the background, and it was great. The entire day was just very natural and not forced, and they were all smiling and laughing, and just having normal, little conversations.
It's hard to remember everything we talked about because when we were shooting, I would be saying little things to them to get different shots, but I remember it being a really fun day.
What were some promotional pieces Epic Records used your photographs for?
They used the photos for everything. I mean, I used to see them everywhere. After I handed the photos over to Epic Records, I saw them designed as full-page ads in newspapers and magazines. Epic used them for promoting the group in general and for promoting their upcoming album Destiny. They even used some of the solo photos I took of Tito and Marlon at the time. I remember seeing different individual photos of Tito and Marlon with their name on the shots to promote them and potential upcoming solo work. I also saw some of the publicity photos of Janet used with her name written on them in different magazines and newspaper ads.
You've discussed your memories throughout this interview, but as a whole, how would you sum up day two of shooting and your time with The Jacksons?
Overall, this was a great day. It was around the afternoon when we did the shoot and the photos are memorable because they showcase their real personalities. They weren't just smiling for a pose. They were talking and laughing, and were having fun with their sister, and joking around. It was great.
They used the photos for everything. I mean, I used to see them everywhere. After I handed the photos over to Epic Records, I saw them designed as full-page ads in newspapers and magazines. Epic used them for promoting the group in general and for promoting their upcoming album Destiny. They even used some of the solo photos I took of Tito and Marlon at the time. I remember seeing different individual photos of Tito and Marlon with their name on the shots to promote them and potential upcoming solo work. I also saw some of the publicity photos of Janet used with her name written on them in different magazines and newspaper ads.
You've discussed your memories throughout this interview, but as a whole, how would you sum up day two of shooting and your time with The Jacksons?
Overall, this was a great day. It was around the afternoon when we did the shoot and the photos are memorable because they showcase their real personalities. They weren't just smiling for a pose. They were talking and laughing, and were having fun with their sister, and joking around. It was great.
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Related stories: Gregg Cobarr - Day One