Francis Griffin

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.