Set of two 20x24 Prints (Color & Black and White Fiber-Based)
In 1997, Lauryn Hill was an unstoppable force. Fresh off her success with the Fugees and deep into creating her Grammy-winning album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, she was a joy to photograph. This Time Out New York cover shoot became one of my biggest breaks.
I’ll always remember the images created that day—the ones the world will never see. Lauryn was set up in a moody New York industrial stairwell, illuminated by the soft glow of a single fluorescent light—a quintessential late '90s aesthetic. My first Polaroid confirmed we had something special, and I eagerly shot the setup with 4x5 color film.
Disaster struck when I picked up the proofs: 40 sheets of clear, unexposed film. A broken film back had ruined what I thought were my best shots—a tough but invaluable lesson in always double-checking your gear.
Thankfully, the remaining images landed not only on the cover of Time Out but also led to opportunities to photograph her for Time and Essence magazines. This unforgettable shoot taught me resilience and the importance of making every shot count.
Please note that these are Studio Archived prints in near-perfect condition. They were originally created as part of a presentation portfolio or for special events. These prints are signed but not editioned.
