Tonawanda News

Local News

July 5, 2009

PHOTO: GNN photographer’s work is on ‘People’ cover

By Rick Pfeiffer<br><a href="mailto:pfeifferr@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Rick</a>

North Tonawanda, NY — COVER SHOT: Photo of Michael Jackson

is by Dan Cappellazzo.

BY RICK PFEIFFER

rick.pfeiffer@lockportjournal.com

Niagara Gazette photographer Dan Cappellazzo has seen his fair share of history.

He raced to New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, to record what had happened there. His photos of massive abortion protests in Western New York in the 1992 Spring of Life were published in more than 200 publications worldwide, while his picture of Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith’s sack of New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler in Super Bowl 25 hangs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

For 16 years he has brought memorable images to Gazette readers, and now one of those is memorializing pop music icon Michael Jackson.

The current issue of People Magazine, a special memorial edition highlighting Jackson’s life, features a cover photo snapped by Cappellazzo at yet another Bills’ Super Bowl appearance. Jackson was the featured half-time performer at Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena.

“It was before I came to the Gazette,” Cappellazzo said, “I was working for the Batavia News and also selling my stuff to the Polaris Agency.”

Half-time is normally when photographers covering a football game take a break. After all, Cappellazzo said, their job is to cover the game and not worry about what else might be taking place.

In addition, Jackson’s publicist had warned the photogs there was to be no picture-taking during the pop king’s performance.

“Telling a (news) photographer not to shoot something is an exercise in futility,” Cappellazzo said.

So as Jackson hit the stage, “Cappy” picked up his camera and began snapping. The performance featured several costume changes by Jackson, as well as a massive light show and some pyrotechnics.

The image Cappellazzo captured is a singular vision of Jackson at the height of his musical success. Bathed in light and smoke, Jackson stands on the stage in his then trademark short black pants, white socks, white T-shirt and unbuttoned white dress shirt, open and blowing backward.

His arms are outstretched, and his mouth is wide open, a song apparently bursting out.

“(As a photojournalist) you are documenting life,” Cappellazzo said.

Text Only
Local News
Featured Ads
AP Video
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Seasonal Content
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Front page
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter