Guardian archive director Luke Dodd recalls the Observer photographer Jane Bown 80th birthday shoot with Queen Elizabeth II and what sparked that warm smile
ane Bown’s first visit to the palace was to receive an MBE in 1985 and she found the experience so unsuited to her character – she was notoriously shy and self-effacing – that when she received a CBE a decade later she elected to have it conferred by her local Lord Lieutenant rather than return to Buckingham Palace. Pomp and formality were not really Jane’s thing – she was much happier behind than in front of a lens.
A photograph of the Queen on the occasion of her 80th birthday is a different matter altogether. While Jane was renowned for her no-nonsense approach, she still required a confluence of elements for her very particular alchemy to work best – a “spark” of recognition between her and the subject, good natural light, and as few people as possible in attendance.
Jane worked quickly, quietly and unobtrusively. She had little concern for what a person did but was acutely interested in what they were like. Maintaining a seemingly innocuous banter peppered with gentle instructions – the tilt of the head, the position of a hand – she prolonged the all-important spontaneity of the initial encounter. Often the shoot was over before the sitter realised what had happened – 15 minutes was a good average – and Jane and her two 40-year-old 35mm OM1s were gone.
On the day of the shoot, Jane arrived early and enlisted Penny’s help in preparing the scene. They moved a large, semi-elliptical, high-backed chair to the window. Being of diminutive stature, Jane employs many strategies to get her subjects at her own height so that they can look directly into the lens. The ever-patient Penny was further pressed into service as a stand-in so that the fall of the light could be gauged.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Do Souths fans boo Luke Keary? Coach Demetriou defends LatrellSouths coach Jason Demetriou defends Latrell Mitchell’s calls to boo in moderation and asked how often Luke Keary had been jeered.
Read more »
Daniher out of semi-final for family reasons; Breust off the market ; Goldstein makes callThe Brisbane Lions have been dealt a blow with Joe Daniher out, Hawthorn’s Luke Breust has re-signed until 2024, and North Melbourne veteran Todd Goldstein makes a call on his future.
Read more »
Daniher out of semi-final for family reasons; Breust off the market; Goldstein makes callJoe Daniher has withdrawn from Friday night’s semi-final against Melbourne. Luke Breust will remain at the Hawks until the end of 2024 and North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has committed for another season. Those stories in today's AFL briefing.
Read more »
World in mourning as Queen Elizabeth II diesJUST IN: US President Joe Biden's statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. MORE: 9News | Special coverage LIVE on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Read more »