Behind Photographs – Archiving Photographic Legends is a new book by world-renowned photographer Tim Mantoani. Successfully funded through a Kickstarter project, the book is Mantoani’s personal mission to introduce the world to the photographers behind some of the world’s most quintessential images. Using the rare and mammoth format of 20X24 Polaroid, Mantoani documented these photographers holding one of their favorite or most iconic photographs.Featured photographers include legendary rock photographer Jim Marshall holding a photograph of the late Johnny Cash during his legendary concert at San Quentin Prison, Neil Leifer posing with his famous shot of Muhammad Ali standing and gesturing over a knocked out Sonny Liston, Harry Benson with his epic photo of The Beatles having a pillow fight and Steve McCurry’s famed portrait of the Afghan Girl from the cover of National Geographic. At the bottom of each Polaroid, the photographer has been asked to comment about their image in their own penmanship. Published by ChannelPhotographics, the book is available for $60. There is also a limited-edition version, which includes a set of nine 8"x12” individual prints ($295).

Press Release

BEHIND PHOTOGRAPHS –  ARCHIVING PHOTOGRAPHIC LEGENDS”

Photographer Tim Mantoani Shines Spotlight on the People Behind World’s Most Iconic Photographs and The Personalities and Moments Captured in Them
Mantoani Brings Light on Creators of “World’s Most Iconic Images” in Mammoth 20X24 Polaroid Format

New York, NY, November 15, 2011 – Photographer Tim Mantoani’s first real job out of college was photographing off-road racing. Since then, he has become an accomplished, world-renowned photographer, working for Coca Cola, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated, among other achievements.  But his love has always been finding the stories behind the photos. 

Award-winning Photographer Tim Mantoani will launch his latest book “Behind Photographs – Archiving Photographic Legends,” (ChannelPhotographics, $60.00; ISBN number: 978-0-9826137-9-1).  This 208-page book features pictures of over 150 photographers holding the iconic photo that they shot while in the field.  From the definitive picture of the burning towers of the World Trade Center which made the cover Time Magazine, to iconic images of Marilyn Monroe at home in bed, “Behind Photographs” showcases some of the country’s most well known images that have defined our cultural landscape. There is also a limited edition version of the book which includes a set of nine 8"x12” individual prints, which are printed on both sides. When assembled, this collage creates one full sized 24"x36” replica of an original Polaroid print. The limited edition boxset is $295.00. 

“Behind Photographs” is Mantoani’s personal mission to introduce the world to the photographers behind some of the world’s most quintessential images. Using the rare and mammoth format of 20X24 Polaroid, Mantoani documents these photographers holding one of their favorite or most iconic photographs.

Featured photographers include legendary rock photographer Jim Marshall holding a photograph of the late Johnny Cash during his legendary concert at San Quentin Prison, Neil Leifer posing with his famous shot of Muhammad Ali standing and gesturing over a knocked out Sonny Liston, Harry Benson with his epic photo of The Beatles having a pillow fight and Steve McCurry’s famed portrait of the Afghan Girl from the cover of National Geographic to name a few. At the bottom of each Polaroid, the photographer has been asked to comment about their image in their own penmanship.

“I have been shooting portraits of photographers for the past five years on 20×24 Polaroid. As many of these photographers, like Polaroid, fade away, I hope these images will be a way for future generations to appreciate the contribution these artists have made,” Mantoani said.

The genesis of “Behind Photographs” came in 2006 when Jim Marshall met up with Mantoani in San Francisco with a portfolio of classic images of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash and recounted the stories behind each image. “I remember having several sleepless nights as I re-lived the shoots in my mind. I found the process, the camera, and the images simply magical. I began thinking of whom else I could photograph and how this body of work could stand to be an important historical documentation and a way for future generations to be able to not just appreciate famous images, but the photographers as well.”

For more information on the book, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the book visit http://www.mantoani.com/.

About the Author
Tim Mantoani is a San Diego based photographer. His credits include Sports Illustrated, Newsweek and ESPN The Magazine, as well as ad campaigns for Coca-Cola, EA Sports and Coors Brewing. Today, when Tim’s not shooting on assignment, he’s documenting venerable lens men who have collectively captured decades of culture and celebrity with their own cameras. Each image features a photographer holding their most iconic or favorite image. Legendary rock photographers Jim Marshall and Ethan Russell have sat for 20 x 24-inch Polaroid portraits, as have Walter Looss, Steve McCurry, Mary Ellen Mark, Elliott Erwitt and Roberto Salas. Tim’s enthusiasm for the medium of photography is undiminished by the changes he’s seen during his career. For him, it’s not work so much as a mission: He sees the story there in each face, and in each place and lives to gives them voice through his work.

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