Publicity Shot for Diamond Dogs (Limited Edition Print)

David Bowie publicity shot for Diamond Dogs Album London. 1974 by Terry O'Neill.

Signed by Terry O'Neill.

Limited edition of 50.

© Terry O'Neill / Firepine.

Terry O'Neill came to prominence in the 1960s with the new generation of photographers – including David Bailey and Brian Duffy - who rejected the static formality of the posed photographs of the 1950s and went instead for spontaneity and unusual settings. The Diamond Dogs photo shoot, which took place on 30 January 1974, was no exception. This famous image depicts a seated Bowie, relaxed and dashing in a Spanish Cordoba hat, high-heeled boots, a book at his feet.  He seems entirely unperturbed by the enormous, rearing dog to his right. It has been claimed that the shot was an accidental stroke of good fortune – the dog reared up on its hind legs suddenly – but in fact it was carefully staged for dramatic effect. Contact sheets show that the dog was leaping towards a piece of meat dangled from above. As O’Neill says: ‘The harder you work, the more pictures you take, the more decisive moments you capture.’ Certainly decisive, the photograph was used to promote the Diamond Dogs tour, and it is now in the V&A’s Photography Collection.

Silver gelatin digital archival print.

30x40" Unframed.

Each print is carefully prepared and packed in a sturdy tube to ensure safe and secure delivery. These prints are very delicate and extra care should be taken when you receive your delivery. They are very difficult to re-pack once opened and we cannot accept returns unless received in perfect condition.