“I was shooting Joe Montana for Sports Illustrated. I had this idea for a shot, and I practiced my approach the day before the job with my assistant, Welch, because to achieve the result I wanted, I only had a small window of time right at twilight. The day of … (read more)

“I was shooting Joe Montana for Sports Illustrated. I had this idea for a shot, and I practiced my approach the day before the job with my assistant, Welch, because to achieve the result I wanted, I only had a small window of time right at twilight. The day of the shoot, Joe showed up at around 4 PM straight from another job with a great photographer named Brian Lanker. Knowing I would likely have to stall for a bit to get the right light, I bought a six-pack of Corona because I knew Joe liked beer and might feel thirsty after his first job. When he showed up, I asked him if he’d like one. Luckily, Joe said yes. We sat in the equipment truck, enjoying our beer. And then another one. Joe started talking about all the things he was pissed off about within the 49ers’ organization, and he forgot about time. Over an hour had passed when I told him, “Well, we're ready to shoot.” Taking the pictures didn’t take longer than 20 minutes. I had a little track to pan along with him as he rolled right—his famous roll right. I used a fill flash and a slow shutter speed to get the “slash and burn” ghosting effect I had planned.”

Walter Iooss Jr.
April 2nd, 2021

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Artist: Walter Iooss Jr.
Title: Joe Montana, Redwood City, CA 1991
Location: Alameda College
Date of Photo: 9/10/1991
NFT Mint Event For Image: #01
Release Date: 4/15/2021 on MakersPlace