Inheriting his father’s passion for photography, Paul Natkin started taking photos at a young age. His father, team photographer for the Chicago Bulls, recounted the amazing perks of being sports photographer to his son. He learned the job, and soon figured out that he could translate his excitement to his love of music.
In 1975, Natkin started going to concerts and shooting pictures. Figuring out how to earn a living doing this was more difficult, but through perseverance he started acquiring magazine and newspaper clients, and began working with record company publicity departments. During the 1980’s he was a frequent contributor to Creem Magazine, along with many other music magazines including Rolling Stone, Circus, and Hit Parader, as well as many mainstream magazines, including Newsweek, Time, People, Playboy, Ebony and Entertainment Weekly. He also started contributing to album art, both at the major label level (Ozzy Osbourne, Alanis Morissette, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter) and to many indie labels (Alligator, Delmark and Blind Pig).
Natkin’s talent as a music photographer paid off, later working as a tour photographer for big names including Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones. Notably, he documented the Chicago blue’s scene following acts such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Willie Dixon.
Natkin currently works as a road manager for Brian Wilson, Alice Peacock and the Dittybop. He also works with charities dealing with social issues, such as Farm Aid, Rock for Reading and the Chicago Music Commission.
In 1975, Natkin started going to concerts and shooting pictures. Figuring out how to earn a living doing this was more difficult, but through perseverance he started acquiring magazine and newspaper clients, and began working with record company publicity departments. During the 1980’s he was a frequent contributor to Creem Magazine, along with many other music magazines including Rolling Stone, Circus, and Hit Parader, as well as many mainstream magazines, including Newsweek, Time, People, Playboy, Ebony and Entertainment Weekly. He also started contributing to album art, both at the major label level (Ozzy Osbourne, Alanis Morissette, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter) and to many indie labels (Alligator, Delmark and Blind Pig).
Natkin’s talent as a music photographer paid off, later working as a tour photographer for big names including Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones. Notably, he documented the Chicago blue’s scene following acts such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Willie Dixon.
Natkin currently works as a road manager for Brian Wilson, Alice Peacock and the Dittybop. He also works with charities dealing with social issues, such as Farm Aid, Rock for Reading and the Chicago Music Commission.