The Unforgettable 'Free' Cover: Steve Parke's Prince Photograph for Notorious Magazine
In a rare glimpse into the world of Prince, photographer Steve Parke recounts the creation of an iconic cover shoot for Notorious magazine's New Year issue in 1999. The image, featuring Prince with the word "Free" painted on his stomach, has become a legendary moment in music and art history, capturing the artist's rebellious spirit and creative vision.
From Fan to Collaborator: Parke's Journey with Prince
Steve Parke's path to working with Prince began with a childhood dream. "I grew up loving Prince's music and remember thinking: 'I'm gonna work for that guy one day,'" he recalls. Through persistence and talent, Parke photographed local bands and leveraged his high-school newspaper credentials to gain access to major concerts. A chance encounter with Sheila E's guitarist led to a connection that would change his life. After drawing a quick portrait on a napkin, the guitarist promised to introduce him to Prince, eventually showing the artist Parke's artwork, which Prince admired.
This led to Parke's first job painting a stage for Prince, and soon after, he was asked about his photography skills. "I was in the right place at the right time," Parke notes. He became the in-house art director at Paisley Park from 1988 to 1996, capturing Prince in countless moments. Parke's approach was unique; he avoided the formalities often associated with the star. "When I first met him, nobody told me, 'Don't look him in the eyes' or anything like that. I was 25 and tried to be my normal self, but professional," he explains. This authenticity fostered a productive working relationship, with Prince frequently initiating impromptu photo sessions.
The 1999 Cover Shoot: A Clash of Visions
The Notorious magazine cover shoot was one of the few times Parke was hired by an external party. The art director initially wanted Prince's stomach to read "1999," but Prince rejected the idea, seeking something fresh and meaningful. "Prince was not having that. He wanted to do something new," Parke says. During this period, Prince was advocating for his freedom from record labels, leading him to suggest the word "Free." The shoot took place at Paisley Park before 8 a.m., an unusually early start that set the tone for a day of creativity.
The setup was minimalist, with a purple backdrop and a single movie light, which initially concerned the art director. "Is this how you wanna shoot?" he asked. Parke defended their method, and the art director improvised by hanging a shower curtain for diffusion. When it came time to apply the gold paint, Prince unexpectedly tasked Parke with the job. "Steve will do it," Prince declared, leaving Parke momentarily stunned. "The next thing I knew I was writing 'Free' on Prince's stomach with my fingers," he recalls. The cold paint caused Prince to laugh like a child, adding a playful element to the serious message.
Capturing Prince's Photogenic Essence
Parke emphasizes Prince's natural photogenic quality, stating, "I'd say 98% of the time he looked incredible." He often photographed Prince without makeup, yet the artist always appeared striking. Parke's technique involved shooting from a slightly higher angle, which Prince appreciated for its flattering effect. "He used to ask: 'Why do people think I've had a nose job?'" Parke explains that his angular shots countered earlier straight-on portraits, leading to misconceptions about plastic surgery.
For the Notorious cover, Prince posed with outstretched arms to highlight the "Free" slogan. The model Desray Junca, known from the video for "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold," was included as a foil, with gold on her fingers to suggest she had done the painting. "Nobody wanted to see me sitting there like that," Parke jokes, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the scene.
Legacy and Insights from a Creative Partnership
Reflecting on his career, Parke cites working with Prince as a high point, praising the artist's mastery in creativity and artistry. His advice to aspiring photographers is to trust their vision: "Trust your eye, because what you see leads to your style and your perception." Parke's books, "Vol 1: Black White Color" and a two-volume special edition including "Vol 2: Everything Else," are set for publication by ACC Art Books on April 14, offering further insights into his work with the iconic musician.
This story not only highlights a memorable photograph but also sheds light on the dynamic between Prince and those who helped shape his visual legacy, reminding us of the power of artistic freedom and collaboration.
