Peter Simon has been documenting life, love, rock ’n’ roll and beyond in photos for more than 50 years. Now, the nationally acclaimed photographer is turning his attention to the island he loves best in his new book Martha’s Vineyard-To Everything there Is A Season. Simon joined Jared for more on the inspiration behind his new book.
Watch the Interview:
http://news.wgbh.org/2017/05/09/local-news/view-vineyard
WGBH News
Photographer Peter Simon celebrated the release of his latest picture book with a party this week at the Liberty Hotel. Among those in attendance were Ronni Simon, The Abbey Group’s Betsy and David Epstein, and singer Sally Taylor. Titled, “Martha’s Vineyard: To Everything There Is a Season,” the book is a retrospective of some of Simon’s shots on the island over the past five decades.
By Mark Shanahan
Listen to Peter being interviewed by Barbara Dacey on MVY radio in late May to discuss his latest book!
https://soundcloud.com/mvyradio/peter-simon-interview-mvyradio-studios-2017-to-everything-these-is-a-season
Jerry Garcia, left, and Bob Weir backstage in 1977, in “Long Strange Trip.” Image by Peter Simon.
Recently, a mammoth, four hour documentary about the Grateful Dead was released via Amazon Prime. Peter lived much of this "Long Strange Trip" personally, and photographed the Dead many times over their storied history. The movie features about fifteen of Peter's seminal photographs, including this one of Jerry and Bob rehearsing back stage at the Palladium in New York City in 1977. The movie has garnered many rave reviews, including this one published recently in the New York Times. In 1995, he published a book about the Dead (now out of print) called "Playing In The Band" with David Gans.
Jack Nixon and Cruiser Keefe looking out for the big one at Philbin Beach, 2010.
In his review of "Martha’s Vineyard: To Everything There Is a Season", reviewer Jack Shea calls Peter's new book "one for both insiders and outsiders."
Photo by Jeanna Shepard
Article by Bill Eville
The Vineyard Gazette's review of Peter's new book highlights that as opposed to many talented current Island photographers, Peter "hits the long ball."
Robert Plant revisits himself at the Simon Gallery, September 2016.
One day in September one of Peter's musical idols, Robert Plant, casually walked into his gallery to pay a visit. Plant was impressed with Peter's book "I and Eye" (which was on the coffee table of his hosts in West Salisbury) and wanted simply to meet the author. Peter managed to get him to pose in front of the infamous "I am a Golden God" photography from 1975. The episode was featured in the Boston Globe in early September.
Peter Simon at home with his archives.
Photo Credit: Alison Shaw
The photographer Peter Simon takes a look back at his own long, strange trip in a recent feature article in Martha's Vineyard Magazine by Bill Eville.
Peter recently had radio interview over public radio station WCAI with Annie Sinsabaugh to discuss the kind of legacy he wants to leave.
A long time personal and fan favorite, Peter has just added "Menemsha Glow" to his "On the Vineyard" series. It replaces "Menemsha Harbor" which recently sold out. Both photographs were taken from the same vantage point, but at different times of day. Menemsha certainly has it's share of stunning sunsets, but this particular photo focuses on the clouds and evening light as reflected off the infamous set of fishing shacks and the "Galley" which frames the inner harbor. Please click here to make your order!.
It's been almost two years in the works, and has been through many morphs, but at last here it is! The DVD runs over 3 and a half hours and captures most of Peter's comprehensive career. Peter has done his research and has found nothing like this in the marketplace! There are even two bonus sections which serve as a Peter Simon photography 101 crash course! ORDER NOW.
Peter is now offering one day workshops. These are patterned according the student's particular level of experience and area of particular interest. Topics can range from viewing and criticizing previously taken shots, as well as those taken during field trips within the workshop time frame. He covers basic techniques and fine tuning lighting, composition, angles, bounce flash, capturing the "Decisive Moment," and components of what makes a GREAT image. Please call 508-645-9575 for more info, or email peter at peter@petersimon.com for more information and pricing.
Our latest poster is a celebration of our first twenty five years of annual existence. We hope that some of these covers will spawn some sweet memories as your Vineyard years have come and gone. Check it out by clicking here, and to order, please click here!!! With the order of 5 or more calendars, you can get this special poster for $15, including shipping!
Peter Simon is now taking bookings for lectures at colleges, corporations, and various other organizations. "Through the Lens: A Life Filled with Friendship, History, and Addiction" (Link: PDF - 144k) is a personal and entertaining journey of stories and anecdotes, some photographic instruction, and a very personal account of his own ups and downs.
Peter has recently become more active as a entertaining and informative lecturer on the college and corporate circuit. His power point presentation of over 230 images covers most aspects of a 50 year career as a photojournalist.
He was a major proponent and captured much of the 60's alternative hippie culture. Many of his images of the music, celebrities and the lifestyle are iconic. His subject matter also includes nude beaches, the new age spiritual scene in the 70's, reggae and Jamaica, baseball and the New York Mets, the breathtaking beauty of Martha's Vineyard, and pictures of lifestyles spun out of control by substance abuse.
In November 2007, this astounding collection of reggae memorabilia, text and photographs was published by the premier publisher of illustrated books, Insight Editions. Over the past year this collaboration between Peter Simon and noted reggae archivist Roger Steffens has been enthusiastically received by reggae lovers around the world. Even the New York Times recently featured a 5-Star review in it's highly touted Sunday book review section. Includes a DVD! Signed by request.
$45
• Find out more & PURCHASE here
• Read a BUZZ Magazine Review here•
• Read a NEW YORK TIMES Review here
• See other exciting books from Peter's publisher, Insight Editions, click here!
Ronni designs and hand-crafts one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art from our home on Martha's Vineyard. Semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls are crocheted with precious metal wire into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and lariats creating unique and elegant jewelry. Each piece is custom made to your individual specifications.
Visit http://www.ronnisimon.com fore more details.
In this astonishing record of the far-ranging experiences of this generation, Peter has captured many of the major figures and events - both in the mainstream and the counterculture - of the past forty years.
Grab a copy while you can! $45 Reviews below.
Boston Phoenix, Columbus Alive, MV Times, Harvey Wasserman,Vineyard Gazette, Amazon.com and Fine Art magazine
