My afternoon with Tony McGee
I had the immense pleasure of meeting Tony McGee a couple of months ago at a dinner party and was immediately mesmerised by his charm and humour.
Tony is a British photographer and filmmaker whose career spans over 5 decades. By the age of 21, his images had appeared on 25 magazine covers. In 1980 he was awarded Best British Photographer and in 1990 his sensational photograph of David Bowie was accepted into the National Portrait Gallery Collection. He has taken pictures of all the supermodels and famous stars (Claudia, Naomi, Stephanie, Christy, Diana Ross, David Bowie....you name it). I will never forget my afternoon at the private members club Quo Vadis in Soho listening to his crazy stories and thought it would be fun to share some of the questions I had for Tony Mc Gee.
Me by Tony McGee
Tony, when did you realise you had a passion for photography and when did you get your first camera ?
I was 7-8 years old and I had a Kodak Box Brownie and a Lubitel.
I grew up in a large family, and it was a tool to record memories. That’s why I’m so positive with my photography, it comes from trying to make the family happy by taking a funny picture.
I’ve been a photographer for 50 years now.
First paid photoshoot?
It was for the Sunday Times. I had met somebody on Kings Road who was writing a blog on people who were interested in fashion. He had a problem with his photographer not arriving and since I had my camera with me I ended up taking the photos. And they paid me £70 !
Who is your favourite artist?
John Singer-Sargeant, I do love his work.
Your favourite model you have ever worked with ?
My favourite model I have to say would be Stefanie Seymour. Such a fantastic woman ! She is very brave, very American….I love American women.
“My favourite model I have to say would be Stefanie Seymour. Such a fantastic woman ! She is very brave, very American….I love American women. ”
Craziest photoshoot?
Without a shadow of a doubt Mother Theresa. I went to Calcutta with the Sunday Times and we picked up the Italian ambassador and his lovely wife in Dehli first. We had to have him with us because she wouldn’t respond to any journalism at all… he broke the ice and then it all took off. My first day I went to the house where Mother resided and I was told not to even consider taking a photograph until she wants you to. On one occasion I went to the house and there must have been 55 newborn babies on the floor wrapped in newspaper with their heads showing. I said to the young nurse who must have been 16 years old- what’s going to happen to these babies? Well unless we get some milk and oxygen they’re going to die, Mr. Mc Gee. So we hurtled off to get the oxygen and the milk… I think we saved one or two of those babies that day. Besides that, taking photographs of Mother Theresa was a very special moment.
Three items we find in your suitcase when you go away.
Safari jacket, I can’t go anywhere in the world unless I have my safari jacket. I know it sounds a little James Bond, but I love sitting in Istanbul with a cup of tea in a safari jacket and no one knows me. It’s really good.
I have this scent that was specially made for me by a perfume maker in Oman while I was on a photoshoot for L’Oreal. It’s absolutely divine ! I don’t travel without it....
I don’t like feeling cold at night… my pyjamas, definitely. I wouldn’t dream of answering the door to you with my pyjamas on but in my own moment, I need those.
How do you react to the #metoo movement?
I’ve always been uncomfortable with cruelty of any kind and I think whatever banner you want to put it under, it is cruelty and I don’t approve.
But you think something has changed?
Oh yeah, definitely… I think the fellows or women who enjoyed doing those things are really careful now.
I work with many people who have dynamic sex drives, but they’re very cool and they don’t bring it on to the floor.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I really find hardworking people attractive, I really do. I think they’ve discovered something about this world, that it is really short and it’s worth your while to burn yourself out. There is something very attractive about hard working people.
What’s your life moto?
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth being paid for.
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth being paid for.”
Have you ever taken a picture of the Queen ?
No, I haven’t. I only have taken portraits of her sister Margaret on several occasions. I did some beautiful photographs of Princess Margaret, they are great, you wouldn’t believe it.
Your funniest moment with David Bowie.
I think there was some sort of confusion with the location. We were going to the Rainbow Theatre which at the time was a refuge for homeless, very desperate men who had alcohol problems. So I said to David when I walked over to his trailer, “I think you should know that the theatre is full of homeless fellows.” David walked out and said “Gentleman, I’m David Bowie and I’m so pleased you could make it tonight”.
Which features are the most beautiful to photograph?
The jawline or the eyes, and the nose. Nothing to do with shoulders or the nape of the neck. I actually like a woman with a great nose, that’s my kind of woman.
Never have I ever…
Never have I ever walked past a butchers and looked at the brains or kidneys and wanted them !
Your favourite camera ?
Definitely I would say my Leica monochrome. It only takes black and white. It’s a brand new one but my lens is from 1961. I like to put old glass on new body... it reminds me of myself.
Your advice to women in the modelling industry who are over forty ?
You have to have mental strength. You have to be OK with rejection. Rejection when you’re young is tough but when you’re over 40, you won’t shake it off easily. I would encourage it, if someone wants to get into it, I’ll help them. If I think you’re remarkable, I’ll take a photograph of you. But be prepared for the constant level of let-down.
Me by Tony McGee
What do you do to unwind from your job ?
What I really like is The Royal Box in the Odeon on Leicester Square and I like to go there when it’s empty, so when I’m not shooting I’ll go there at about 11am in the morning and I watch in the full glory the new movies that come out. I challenge you to find a more comfortable seat in London to watch a film, there isn’t one.
You have travelled the world, whats your favourite place you went to ?
There is a place in Japan, north of Kyoto, it’s quite possibly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in my life. And it has this gentle loneliness that really is stunning....and just this wonderful smell.
Kate Moss 1988 By Tony Mc Gee
Tell me about the photoshoot of Kate Moss in David Hockney’s car !
Sarah Dukas from Storm Models walked into my studio one day with the 14 year old Kate Moss. She said “Tony I just want you to have a look at her please”. I was just in the middle of a shoot so I made her wait a little. When I was done I ended up taking photographs of the young Kate in my new car that I had just bought from David Hockney.
Tony & I by Robert Popper
After our little interview my hubby joined in and we were treated to a few beautiful bottles of white wine and lots of laughter. To our delight, we accompanied Tony that night to the biggest private party at Groucho Club in Soho that is held during Frieze Art Fair.
The same night I also decided to become the proud owner of the David Bowie photograph shot by Tony Mc Gee which will be featured next year in a David Bowie exhibition.
Tony & I by Robert Popper
Thank you so much Tony for a wonderful day that will be in my memories forever.
Please visit the extraordinary Tony McGee on his website tonymcgee.co.uk