Steve Parke's Unforgettable Photoshoot with Prince for Notorious Magazine
Renowned photographer Steve Parke has opened up about one of his most memorable assignments: the iconic cover shoot for Notorious magazine's New Year issue in 1999. In an exclusive revelation, Parke recounts how Prince insisted on changing the planned slogan from "1999" to "Free," leading to a unique and spontaneous moment where Parke painted the word on the musician's stomach with his fingers.
From Fan to Collaborator: Parke's Journey with Prince
Steve Parke's connection with Prince began long before the famous photoshoot. Growing up as a devoted fan of Prince's music, Parke harbored a dream of working with the artist one day. Through perseverance and talent, he transitioned from photographing local bands to securing a pivotal role at Paisley Park. Parke served as the in-house art director from 1988 to 1996, capturing Prince in various settings and building a professional rapport based on mutual respect and creativity.
Parke reflects, "I had a different experience with Prince compared to most. When I first met him, nobody gave me strict rules like 'don't look him in the eyes.' I was 25 and just tried to be my normal, professional self, which suited our working dynamic perfectly."
The 1999 Notorious Magazine Cover: A Story of Creative Freedom
The photoshoot for Notorious magazine was a rare instance where Parke was hired by an external publication. The art director initially wanted Prince's stomach to display "1999," but Prince, ever the innovator, rejected this idea. During a period when he was advocating for freedom from record labels, Prince proposed the word "Free" instead. The shoot took place at Paisley Park early in the morning, with Parke describing the setup as minimalist yet effective.
"The art director saw the purple backdrop and one movie light and questioned if that was how we wanted to shoot," Parke recalls. "I explained it was our standard approach. He suggested adding a shower curtain for diffusion, which we incorporated."
When it came time to apply the gold paint, Prince unexpectedly tasked Parke with the job. Parke says, "Prince told the guy mixing the paint, 'Steve will do it.' I was shocked, but the next thing I knew, I was writing 'Free' on his stomach with my fingers. The paint was cold, so he started laughing like a kid. I was just hoping it wouldn't run, as I needed to clean my hands and start shooting."
Behind the Scenes: Prince's Photogenic Nature and Artistic Vision
Parke emphasizes Prince's natural photogenicity, noting that "98% of the time he looked incredible," even without makeup. For this shoot, Prince strategically stretched out his arms to draw attention to the word "Free." The model in the image, Desray Junca, who appeared in the video for "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold," was included to provide a foil and add visual options. The gold on her fingers cleverly implied she might have been involved in the painting process.
Parke also shares insights into Prince's curiosity about public perception. "He used to ask why people thought he'd had a nose job," Parke explains. "I told him it was because earlier photographers shot him straight on, while my angles made him look more angular, leading to those rumors."
Legacy and Upcoming Publications
Steve Parke's work with Prince continues to be celebrated through his photography books. Vol 1: Black White Color and a two-volume special edition including Vol 2: Everything Else are set to be published by ACC Art Books on 14 April. These collections offer a deeper look into Parke's artistic collaboration with one of music's most iconic figures.
Reflecting on his career, Parke cites working with Prince as a high point, praising the artist's mastery in creativity and artistry. His advice to aspiring photographers is to trust their eye, as it shapes their unique style and perception.
