A Look Behind the Scenes of Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” Cover Photoshoot
The Making of a Timeless Album Cover
In 2016, Frank Ocean released his highly anticipated album “blonde,” which received critical acclaim and commercial success. However, it was not just the music that made waves — the album cover was just as noteworthy. The cover featured an ethereal photo of Ocean with a green, mullet-like haircut and a serene expression on his face. The image quickly became iconic and was the subject of much discussion and analysis.
The photoshoot for the “blonde” cover was conducted by the photographer Wolfgang Tillmans, a German artist who is known for his groundbreaking and experimental work. Tillmans and Ocean had worked together previously, and the musician approached the photographer about creating the cover for his upcoming album. Tillmans was immediately drawn to the project and saw it as an opportunity to create something special.
The photoshoot took place over the course of two days in London, and Tillmans used a variety of techniques and equipment to capture the perfect shot. He used a mixture of digital and analogue cameras and experimented with lighting and framing to create a dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere. Tillmans also utilized a technique called photogram, which involves placing objects directly onto photographic paper and exposing them to light. This created a sense of texture and depth that added to the overall effect of the photo.
The cover photo of Ocean was not the only shot that was taken during the photoshoot. Tillmans took dozens of photos of Ocean in various poses and settings, but ultimately, he and Ocean decided on the now-famous image of the green-haired musician looking directly into the camera. The photo perfectly captured the mood and tone of the “blonde” album and became a defining image of Frank Ocean’s career.
The “blonde” cover photoshoot was also significant for its use of analog photography in the digital age. Tillmans has been a champion of analog photography throughout his career and has been critical of the way that digital photography has altered the medium. The “blonde” cover was a way for Tillmans to showcase the beauty and power of analog photography and to prove that it still has a place in the modern world.
In addition to the cover photo, the “blonde” album packaging featured a series of other images that were also taken by Tillmans. These included photos of a range of subjects, including a ladder leaning against a wall, a pair of hands holding a large piece of ice, and a pile of cigarette butts. The images added to the overall aesthetic of the album and further solidified Tillmans’ reputation as a master of his craft.
Overall, the “blonde” cover photoshoot was a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. Frank Ocean and Wolfgang Tillmans came together to create something truly special, and the resulting image has become a defining moment in both of their careers. The “blonde” cover will forever be remembered as a moment of beauty and artistry that captured the essence of one of the most groundbreaking albums of the decade.
