Adam Lambert photographed by Eric Schwabel for the Advocate
Adam Lambert photographed by Eric Schwabel for the Advocate
View the Advocate article and photos at http://news.advocate.com/post/11571958893/reinventing-adam-lambert
I had the great pleasure of working with Adam Lambert recently for this Advocate cover shoot, which came out today. This was one of the more unique shoot days I’ve ever experienced (on par with photographing Kirk Douglas at his home), as the Advocate wanted not just the set-up cover shot, but a number of candid photos of Adam going about his day. So, about 15 seconds after we were introduced, I was in his car, speeding through Hollywood, my crew following behind. We joked that it was a slightly awkward introduction, I met him, I’m in his car, I have a camera in his face. We both knew the job though and went about it, and snapped some pretty great shots, not all of which made it to publication.
Adam Lambert photographed by Eric Schwabel for the Advocate
Adam and I spent a bit of time chatting in the car between each location (and getting yelled at by a gas station manager for taking pictures — but I was able to calm him down…). It turned out we were both headed to Burning Man in a few weeks, so that was the main topic of discussion.
I shot the candids on my Nikon D7000, with the occasional reflector fill.
Our final location was the recording studio where Adam was preparing his latest single and album (this is his official 2nd album, dropping in Q1 2012, the single, I’m told is coming out in November). We set up a few shots in the studio but ultimately opted for the outdoor location for the cover shot, which made me a happy camper – I love photographing mixed light outdoor situations, and the grounds of the studio seemed to match Adam’s vibe for this new album.
The studio shots were all shot on my Mamiya with the DM28 digital back – very similar to the setup I used at Burning Man.
Adam was a gracious host to myself and my crew (a few asked for autographs when we were done), very focused on getting the shots and trusting both our teams to get it done. I have to thank Adam and his team for their help, and also to Advocate Creative Director Scott McPherson and Editor Michael Breen.
Adam Lambert photographed by Eric Schwabel at Real Raw Live
Adam Lambert photographed by Eric Schwabel
He’s a beautiful man, inside out. thanks for the photos!
@Stingray, thank you! And to all the Glamberts out there — yes, there are more images in the print and digital versions of the mag. Digital version just came out today, you can get it through Advocate’s website or through Zinio. End sales pitch. Schwabel out!
Beeeeautiful photowork. Love what you did with your camera, and such an amazing subject
Loved your writing as well, intelligently written and very organized.
WOW! Gorgeous pics of Adam and great article. Awesome subject and fabulous photography. Win/Win! AND … there are more! Are you open to bribes? LOL Glamberts will go to any lengths to see those extra photos. I’m not joking! Be afraid. Be very afraid. LOL
Especially love the cover! Thank you Eric!
Eric, thanks for a beautiful pic of Adam. he so gorgeous on that shoot
and you are amazing photographer
Not to be greedy……….but……… this phrase leaped off the page. It might as well of been a 10 foot tall blinking neon sign – “snapped some pretty great shots, not all of which made it to publication.” More? Please sir, may I have some more? Are you willing to share the ones that didn’t make the publication?
LOVE these pics. NICE WORK.
These photos made me smile all day and prob all week–so beautiful!!
Beautiful job Eric! I love the shots you chose to use — but where the heck are the ones you didn’t??? If we beg, will you post them
?
Thanks again to you and the Advocate for the pics and the great interview. Too bad it’s not in paper, would have sold out.
Great cover shot Eric. Did Adam’s piercing eyes damage your camera?
Thanks Eric gorgeous pics of Adam! he truly is a photographer’s dream subject (and interviewers!) He is insanely talented plus he’s smart, articulate and fierce! Can’t wait to get a print copy of the Advocate
Love the shots of Adam. Like the one where he’s holding
the glass. Bet you ten to one, he’s not saying Slainte!
Thanks Eric, Great pics and congrats. I especially like the shot at the gas station! Very sexy (who knew?). So appreciate the battle with the attendant. Wonder what he was afraid of? Thanks also for sharing your experiences and the camera details. You know, there are a lot of Lambert fans out here who would love those “toss off” pics. Just sayin’.
Thank YOU, Eric! Very nicely done and very much appreciated. Adam’s worldwide fans are linking to your beautiful pics. Oh yeah, and your blog!
xxxoooo
Thanks again
Cathy Woodworth
Loved the pictures! Thank you for sharing
Love the photos, beautiful, thanks for sharing. Did you run into Adam at Burning Man now thoes are some photos we would love too see
@Eric Darn. LOL. I thought so but had to try. Everyone that has interviewed with Adam finds him to be very open and friendly. I’m glad your experience was the same. If you have any more tidbits you want to share…………..still trying, sorry. : )
lol Eric beware! Since you said you have shots that did not make the publication you might get… um.. lots of requests!
Gorgeous pics (love the blueness) and thank you so much for the added blog info about your day w/ Adam + LOVE your BM pics/videos!
Omg adam looks hot!!!
Fantastic photos, you did an amazing job! Love Adam, looks like a stop at Barnes & Noble is my future!
Eric, thank you for sharing your thoughts about Adam’s photoshoot. The images are beautiful and I can’t wait to buy my copy of the magazine. Also, a little correction… Adam’s official new album will be released in FEBRUARY or MARCH 2012. We are anticipating his lead single to be released soon, perhaps in November.
@catepf. Noted and edited. Thank you kindly!
Thank you for the great pictures and a lovely write up! Really liking your work
Thanks for the great pictures! Any chance you have more you can put on your website?
@Marilyn, Thank you! For now the Advocate is the only source for the photos, but I’m pretty sure the magazine’s print and digital editions will have a few more. Wish I could be of more help to all y’all Glamberts. It was a pretty fun experience, and I have to say — not too many people in Adam’s position would have been so open to this concept, he was a great host to myself and my crew.
Please add an update to your blog to reflect that Adam’s new album (“official second album”) is dropping in Q1 of 2012. There are two rip-off albums being released in November in an attempt to exploit Adam’s talent and fame. I’m afraid that someone reading this may mistake them for his true new album. His single should be released in November.
Excellent photos! Thanks so much for sharing. Are you allowed to share the rest of them? *fingers crossed* That would have been fun traveling around in Adam’s car taking photos. By the way, Adam’s new album has been postponed until early 2012 but he will have a single out in November hopefully.
@Laurieb – Perhaps it is just the single, I don’t really know — anyhow when we shot this he was just beginning to record so you are probably correct.
Thx for this! So much fun to have a tiny glimpse behind the scenes! We Glamberts love Adam so much.
Those were great shots..anymore shots that u can let us see? like outtakes and such..u mention that Adams album is gonna drop in November..as far as he has said it will only be his first single..Did he say album or single?? inquiring minds want to know lol