By Tassilo Leher
Located in Cologne, DE
This striking black-and-white photograph captures jazz legend Louis Armstrong during a candid moment at a press event in 1965. Armstrong is seen seated at a table, a cigarette delicately held between his fingers, as he gazes thoughtfully off to the side. His signature bow tie and formal attire reflect his polished style, while the slight smile on his lips hints at his charismatic personality.
The image is framed by soft-focus floral arrangements in the foreground, which enhance the intimate setting. Microphones surround him, indicating his role as a prominent figure in the music industry. The lighting subtly highlights the contours of his face and the gleam of his watch, emphasizing the depth of character and experience in his expression. This photograph not only embodies Armstrong's iconic status but also captures the essence of his lively spirit and dedication to jazz music.
About Tassilo Leher:
Born in the dark years of World War II, Tassilo Leher became an icon of photographic art in divided Germany. As the son of war correspondent Karl Leher, whose lens captured moments of contemporary history, he was born in 1940 in the heart of Berlin.
He shared not only the studio in the picturesque Prenzlauer Berg with his father, but also the mysterious world of the darkroom. While Karl Leher, an early riser, made use of the morning hours, Tassilo found his creative flow only by midday, often working late into the night.
His camera knew no bounds: from the dazzling stars of East German show business like Phudys, Karat, Hildegard Kneef, Manfred Krug, Bubi Scholz, to international greats such as Dean Reed, Karel Gott, Jiri Korn, and Costa Cordalis – all found themselves in front of his lens.
The Friedrichstadt-Palast and numerous film sets became his stages, where he played with light and shadow to perfectly frame famous...
Category
1960s Modern Albert Richardson Photography
MaterialsPhotographic Paper, Black and White
