Natkin: The Moment of Truth

Paul Natkin is widely considered Chicago’s greatest music photographer. The son of a photojournalist, Paul’s career flourished in the heyday of rock and roll as he traveled from show to show, documenting both rising stars and icons of the music industry. As a true music fan, Natkin’s passion and workmanlike approach to his trade has made him the photographer to the stars over a four-decade career. He was the official touring photographer for the Rolling Stones and the only photographer allowed into Prince’s 26th birthday party. He continues to attend shows and shoot portraits at his studio on Chicago’s north side.

• MetalFolkClassic RockNext WaveSoul + R&BJazzBluesCountryGospelRap + Hip HopAdultWorld

"[Natkin's] images have appears in so many publications and on so many album covers that music fans have almost certainly seen his work, whether they know it or not. The Moment of Truth collects some of his favorite photos and the stories behind them." - Chicago Reader"The interesting thing about Paul, he was just always there. We never really had to officially organize things with him, but he always was just there anyway taking great shots of us—from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s to today. And it's always been great material. He's a part of rock history." – Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick“When you’re talking about Paul and you’re talking about photo shoots and he’s showing you some old stuff and then you see a photo of Sinatra in between images of Guns N' Roses and Slaughter, you’re like, who is this guy? We recognized he’s not entering our world, we’re entering his. And that’s just the thing, as time went on and we understood what Paul had already done and how great he is at what he does, it was always a pleasure to know he was still hanging around.” – Steve Gorman, The Black Crowes"I've always liked working with him because, with most photographers, they come to you and ask for one photo and then they take 1,000. Paul would just do a few clicks on his camera and say, 'I've got it.' I like the way he does his work and he doesn't need to take all day to get one great photograph. To be honest, I haven’t seen anything yet of Paul's work that I don’t like. I think he’s such a great professional that when he takes the pictures, his camera takes exactly what he sees and he has a sharp eye." – blues legend Buddy Guy"In conversation, Natkin is self-effacing, wickedly funny and laid back. Though he will tell you there are other photographers better than him, that’s his modesty talking. There is a reason for his success. Just look at a Natkin photo and you will feel a powerful intimacy."– Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune