Early Life
Frank Griffin was born in Garforth, UK near the Yorkshire Dales in 1953. His mother was a gifted painter and yoga teacher and his father was the village photographer.
Career:
1970s
Frank started his career as a photographer in Munich, Germany attending rock concerts and publishing his pictures at “Bravo” magazine, the largest young audience magazine within German-language sphere at that time. He quickly became a part of bustling British and European punk and rock music movement, and documented lives and concerts of many legendary British and US bands and singers like Dire Straights, Led Zeppelin, Status Quo, The Knack, The Police, Blondie.
1980s
Frank moved back to London in 1980. He worked in his photo studio photographing bands, shooting concerts and home sessions, as well as doing stills and music videos all over the world.
In 1985 Frank was one of 30 accredited photographers covering the legendary “Live
Aid” marathon-concert at Wembley stadium, UK. His images among others were published in the official photo album of “Live Aid”.
In 1987-1989 Frank Griffin became the personal photographer for Prince, and travelled with the signer and his band on both tours “Sign O’ the Times” and
“Lovesexy”.
Among other bands and singers photographed at this period were George Harrison at “Hand Made Films” (at his office), Paul McCartney with “Wings” (in his recording studio and on the road), Rolling Stones (live in Leeds), Knack (USA West Coast tour),
Aerosmith (live in Dusseldorf, Germany), Dire Straights (European tour), Blondie (live in Germany and UK), Police (European tour), Thompson Twins (video shoot in
Portugal), Soft Cell (PA in Greece), A-Ha (live in Sweden), Duran Duran (live in UK, video shoots in the studio), Spandau Ballet (live in Covent Garden, UK), Pretenders (shoots in studio, Munich, Germany), B52 (Bravo studio, Munich, Germany), Fine
Young Cannibals (studio, London, UK), Kim Wilde (concerts and studio in London,
UK), Roxy Music (live in Dublin, Ireland), Guns & Roses (live at Hammersmith
Odeon, UK supporting Kiss), Motorhead (live at the Hammersmith Odeon, UK),
Queen (live at Wembley Arena, UK).
Video stills produced at this time: Flock of Seagulls “Picture of You”, Wham “Club
Tropicana”, Duran Duran “Girls on Film”, Stray Cats “Stray Cat Strut” (with producer
Julien Temple).
Some of the indelible memories of this time was Freddie Mercury’s 41 st birthday party at Pike’s Hotel and Fredddie’s later performance with Montsserat Caballe at
Ibiza’s Ku club in Spain, where the singers introduced a world mega hit “Barcelona”.
1990s and 2000s
In 1989 after taking part in a historical New Year celebration helping demolish the Berlin Wall, Frank made a decision and moved to the USA to start a new page of his life.
After extensive travelling in the USA Frank chose Los Angeles as his home. Frank with his partner founded a photo agency specializing in celebrities and event photography. Frank appeared in CNN programs, his images have been published in
Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone magazine, People magazine as well as many other publications worldwide.
One of the interesting experiences of this period was O.J.Simpson trial where Frank was on the rota at the courtroom, and took a famous picture of the White Bronco chase that was published in “Paris Match” cover page.
Nowadays Frank Griffin turned his lens to Los Angeles city landmarks and architecture. It became a natural extension of his rich photographic experience and artistic expression. He centers his focus around Los Angeles, its modern architectural forms, changing landscapes, popular city spots, and celebrity hangouts.
The resulting images give a mix of simplicity and sophistication, as if hiding and revealing this city’s unique nature.
