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Linda McCartney. Life in Photographs
A retrospective of Linda McCartney's life and photography
In 1966, during a brief stint as a receptionist for Town and Country magazine, Linda Eastman snagged a press pass to a very exclusive promotional event for the Rolling Stones aboard a yacht on the Hudson River; her fresh, candid photographs of the band were far superior to the formal shots made by the band’s official photographer, and she was instantly on the way to making a name for herself as a top rock ’n’ roll photographer. On May 11, 1968, when her portrait of Eric Clapton was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, she entered the record books as the first woman to have that honor. During her tenure as the leading photographer of the late 1960s’ musical scene, she captured many of rock’s most important musicians on film, including Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who, The Doors, and the Grateful Dead. In 1967, Linda went to London to document the "Swinging Sixties," where she met Paul McCartney at the Bag ’o Nails club and subsequently photographed the Beatles during a launch event for the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Paul and Linda fell in love, and were married on March 12, 1969. For the next three decades, until her untimely death, she devoted herself to her family, vegetarianism, animal rights, and photography.
From her early rock ’n’ roll portraits, through the final years of the Beatles, via touring with Wings to raising four children with Paul, Linda captured her whole world on film. Her shots range from spontaneous family pictures to studio sessions with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, as well as artists Willem de Kooning and Gilbert and George. Always unassuming and fresh, her work displays a warmth and feeling for the precise moment that captures the essence of any subject. Whether photographing her children, celebrities, animals, or a fleeting moment of everyday life, she did so without pretension or artifice.
This retrospective volume—selected from her archive of over 200,000 images—is produced in close collaboration with Paul McCartney and their children. As such, it is a moving personal journal and a lasting testament to Linda’s talent.
Additional to our limited and art editions, this book is also available as unlimited trade edition.
In 1966, during a brief stint as a receptionist for Town and Country magazine, Linda Eastman snagged a press pass to a very exclusive promotional event for the Rolling Stones aboard a yacht on the Hudson River; her fresh, candid photographs of the band were far superior to the formal shots made by the band’s official photographer, and she was instantly on the way to making a name for herself as a top rock ’n’ roll photographer. On May 11, 1968, when her portrait of Eric Clapton was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, she entered the record books as the first woman to have that honor. During her tenure as the leading photographer of the late 1960s’ musical scene, she captured many of rock’s most important musicians on film, including Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who, The Doors, and the Grateful Dead. In 1967, Linda went to London to document the "Swinging Sixties," where she met Paul McCartney at the Bag ’o Nails club and subsequently photographed the Beatles during a launch event for the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Paul and Linda fell in love, and were married on March 12, 1969. For the next three decades, until her untimely death, she devoted herself to her family, vegetarianism, animal rights, and photography.
From her early rock ’n’ roll portraits, through the final years of the Beatles, via touring with Wings to raising four children with Paul, Linda captured her whole world on film. Her shots range from spontaneous family pictures to studio sessions with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, as well as artists Willem de Kooning and Gilbert and George. Always unassuming and fresh, her work displays a warmth and feeling for the precise moment that captures the essence of any subject. Whether photographing her children, celebrities, animals, or a fleeting moment of everyday life, she did so without pretension or artifice.
This retrospective volume—selected from her archive of over 200,000 images—is produced in close collaboration with Paul McCartney and their children. As such, it is a moving personal journal and a lasting testament to Linda’s talent.
Additional to our limited and art editions, this book is also available as unlimited trade edition.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2011
About the author
Linda McCartney
82 books47 followersLinda Louise, Lady McCartney (née Eastman, previously See) was an American photographer, musician, and animal rights activist. She married Paul McCartney of The Beatles on 12 March 1969, and was a member of Wings. The McCartneys had four children together: Heather Louise (from her previous marriage, whom McCartney adopted in 1969), Mary Anna, Stella Nina, and James Louis McCartney. Linda became Lady McCartney when her husband was knighted in 1997.
The McCartneys shared an Oscar nomination for the song "Live and Let Die", which they co-wrote, and she authored several vegetarian cookbooks, became a business entrepreneur (starting the Linda McCartney Foods company) and was a professional photographer, publishing Linda McCartney's Sixties: Portrait of an Era.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, and died at the age of 56 on 17 April 1998, at the McCartney family ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She left her entire estate to McCartney through a Qualified Domestic Trust Fund.
The McCartneys shared an Oscar nomination for the song "Live and Let Die", which they co-wrote, and she authored several vegetarian cookbooks, became a business entrepreneur (starting the Linda McCartney Foods company) and was a professional photographer, publishing Linda McCartney's Sixties: Portrait of an Era.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, and died at the age of 56 on 17 April 1998, at the McCartney family ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She left her entire estate to McCartney through a Qualified Domestic Trust Fund.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 8, 2021
I was sent this book by a dear friend as a Christmas gift and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever been given—something I love having but would never have splurged on for myself. Of course I read the introductory texts, but this book needs no words.
November 11, 2016
I love, love, love looking at Linda McCartney's photography. She did so much for the photography world and showed us what no one else could. Will definitely be "reading" through this a hundred more times before it has to go back to the library.
March 16, 2015
It was fun to see the photos of bands and the McCartney family from the sixties and seventies; boy, do I feel old. Some of the photos I didn't think were that astounding and not much different from a photo that I could take. I'm wondering about some that didn't make it into the book. But I passed an enjoyable hour flipping through the photos and reading forewards from Annie Leibovitz and the McCartney's daughters, Mary and Stella.
April 15, 2020
As a long time music & Beatles fans I have always been drawn to Linda MacCartney’s photographs. This book contains many I had never seen before and I greatly enjoyed those. There is not a great deal to read but if you like music & photography this book is well worth a look.
July 31, 2018
Not really much reading in this one. Some introductory essays and then lots of pictures. I'm a fan of some of Linda McCartney's work, particularly her photos of rock musicians. I like some of her later work which ranges from arresting and atmospheric to resembling the snapshots we all create.
October 27, 2011
Sorry Linda -- some nice shots but overall just not that impressed.
December 14, 2022
A fantastic overview of Linda McCartney (née Eastman)'s genuinely impressive work as a photographer - something all-too-often glossed over in the public image of her as one of the Beatle Wives. And just like I stick up for her singing voice in Wings (fuck the haters, she had passion and it showed. Also Ram is one of the best albums ever made), I'm of the genuine opinion that Linda's work stands up to (and bests) most other photographers in her field and time. There's a real joy for life that exudes through every photo, each one perfectly captured and framed to make you feel like this is a genuine moment pulled from some collective unconscious memory, clear as day like you were there. Her portraits capture that ineffable glimpse of the Self that portraitists always strive for, that unique glimpse of the character behind the eyes. She had a real Henri Cartier-Bresson-level gift for capturing decisive moments with compositional brilliance that shines through time direct to the viewer today. She should be mentioned alongside Annie Liebovitz, Diane Arbus and the other prominent women in 20th century photography and I can only imagine the main stumbling block in the way is her stardom in her own right as the devoted spouse of the Cute Beatle, advocate for vegetarianism and animal welfare. But god, this book contains a stunning oeuvre that any other photographer would be unnaturally lucky to have.
March 31, 2022
I thought Linda was an heiress to the Eastman-Kodak fortune, but that is a mistake that still persists. George Eastman, the founder of the Kodak company was not related to anyone in Linda's family.
This collection is a great curation of some of her portraits and landscapes. She definitely had a good eye.
There is no doubt that marriage to Paul brought her access to the rich and famous, but she was a strong photographer even before their courtship began.
According to one site, "Critics can mock her all they want, but Linda is credited as co-writer on a whopping five chart-topping Wings hits, including "Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey," "My Love," "Band on the Run," "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Silly Love Songs." The James Bond theme "Live and Let Die," credited to Linda and Paul, even netted a coveted Oscar nomination. She also co-wrote other Top 10 hits, including "Another Day," "Junior's Farm" and "Let 'Em In."
Read More: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Linda McCartney | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-th...
This collection is a great curation of some of her portraits and landscapes. She definitely had a good eye.
There is no doubt that marriage to Paul brought her access to the rich and famous, but she was a strong photographer even before their courtship began.
According to one site, "Critics can mock her all they want, but Linda is credited as co-writer on a whopping five chart-topping Wings hits, including "Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey," "My Love," "Band on the Run," "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Silly Love Songs." The James Bond theme "Live and Let Die," credited to Linda and Paul, even netted a coveted Oscar nomination. She also co-wrote other Top 10 hits, including "Another Day," "Junior's Farm" and "Let 'Em In."
Read More: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Linda McCartney | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-th...
December 28, 2021
We live in strange times. When I was young photographs were taken mainly on special occasions, film cost too much to be able to take multiple photos of the same subject. So you learnt to see the picture and tried to press the button at just the right time. Something that has been lost thanks to the digital age and the possibility of taking endless photos and then deciding afterwards which is best.
Leafing through this book of Linda McCartney’s photos one is reminded of the importance of having a good eye, which Linda undoubtedly had. The objects of Linda’s photos range from horses to family and the super famous. All feel like a moment captured.
Highly recommend.
Leafing through this book of Linda McCartney’s photos one is reminded of the importance of having a good eye, which Linda undoubtedly had. The objects of Linda’s photos range from horses to family and the super famous. All feel like a moment captured.
Highly recommend.
September 4, 2018
A sampling of what must be hundreds of thousands of photographs that Linda McCartney took in her lifetime, the focus on her family and rock music icons is fitting making for a lovely collection.
I had been struck by the amazing photograph of Aretha Franklin taken by Linda in 1968 used on the cover of Entertainment Weekly after Aretha's death in August 2018. I was glad to have a chance to see these.
I had been struck by the amazing photograph of Aretha Franklin taken by Linda in 1968 used on the cover of Entertainment Weekly after Aretha's death in August 2018. I was glad to have a chance to see these.
March 24, 2018
I apologize - did underestimate her. Brilliant, loving and touching. Her and Paul’s life in Scotland. How they loved and lived there with their kids is just special. The Beatle crowd in Chile, Johnny Depp and Kate Moss and her self portraits are beautiful. I must also mention that the tiredness, the hard work to stay special shines through in her pictures of the Beatles.
Read
February 14, 2024I didn’t know who Linda was until the Get Back documentary. I picked this up at the library and really enjoyed seeing the pictures she took over her career. Many of them are stunning. Some of my favorites include:
-Janis Joplin, LA 1967
-Local Men, Scotland, ‘68
- Nico, LA ‘68
- Windowsill, Scotland ‘73
- Man in Hat, Martinique ‘76
- Paul, London ‘78 (mirror picture - fantastic!!)
-Janis Joplin, LA 1967
-Local Men, Scotland, ‘68
- Nico, LA ‘68
- Windowsill, Scotland ‘73
- Man in Hat, Martinique ‘76
- Paul, London ‘78 (mirror picture - fantastic!!)
June 12, 2017
Beautiful photos, of bands and famous singers from the sixties and seventies, and of course photos of the McCartney family (not the Sears style, but less perfect, more "real" ones). Linda truly was a talented photographer, who caught the small, behind the scenes moments .
November 1, 2019
Love, love, love this book. Linda's work inspires me SO MUCH and having it all laid out in such a beautiful book was just everything I could want. I rented this at my local library but I'd love to own a copy someday soon.
December 31, 2019
Stunning photography. Genuine and pure. I love how Linda sought to find the beauty that was inside her subjects rather than having them try to conform to and create a visual. The world really misses the pure talent that was Linda McCartney.
October 19, 2017
Brilliant photographer, and incredibly talented artist. Loved every picture.
January 10, 2018
Enjoyed looking at pictures of Paul and the other Beatles.
December 2, 2018
An interesting collection of professional work contrasted with the intimate family shots.
April 16, 2020
Really beautiful. Just what was needed on day #? of Covid Stay At Home
December 20, 2020
Some great photos in here. She was a fabulous photographer with access most could only dream of
Read
June 13, 2022I like staring at big pictures of Paul McCartney for three hours
July 29, 2023
beloved💝
August 31, 2024
Meraviglioso, le dimensioni grandi fanno apprezzare a pieno le foto
February 1, 2026
criminally underrated imho
May 9, 2013
'Linda McCartney - Life in Photographs' is a remarkable tribute to a photographer, who was first, and foremost a life partner and mother.
Linda passed away at the age of 56 in 1998, succumbing to cancer, leaving behind a treasure trove of extraordinary images.
Prefacing the book are commentaries by her former husband, Paul McCartney, and two of their daughters Stella and Mary. Another renowned photographer, Annie Leibovitz also shares some thoughts.
Throughout the book is a collection of photographs of some famous subjects like Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Beatles. Mostly musicians because Linda loved music, and the musicians.
Despite their extraordinary lives, Linda had a way of capturing their moments of insecurity. There is one photograph of Twiggy someplace in London in 1969. She's sitting alone, pensively, gazing downward that is especially captivating. It's not the usual model shot, not a pose, but a natural look.
In interviews with family and friends, many remarked how Linda had a gift for capturing her subjects when they were vulnerable and in the moment, rather than being contrived, putting on a face for the camera. It was as if Linda wasn't even there. She made everyone feel comfortable around her.
Amongst the collection are also a number of intimate family photographs, including one with Paul balancing himself on a fence on a farm in Scotland, wearing his night robe, while son James and daughter Stella were playing around, with the family dog in the distance. A typical family photo, it seems.
And some photographs demonstrate Linda's sense of humor. A stack of empty coffee cups in a studio in London, and one with a bottle of Whisky and baby milk, side by side.
The e-book edition is made for Apple's iBook for iPad, and includes a video interview with Paul McCartney, Stella and Mary. It's a pleasure to scroll through the photographs interactively, rotating and zooming in, and reading the captions.
It's also an inspiration for those who have, or want to take up photography. A gem.
Linda passed away at the age of 56 in 1998, succumbing to cancer, leaving behind a treasure trove of extraordinary images.
Prefacing the book are commentaries by her former husband, Paul McCartney, and two of their daughters Stella and Mary. Another renowned photographer, Annie Leibovitz also shares some thoughts.
Throughout the book is a collection of photographs of some famous subjects like Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Beatles. Mostly musicians because Linda loved music, and the musicians.
Despite their extraordinary lives, Linda had a way of capturing their moments of insecurity. There is one photograph of Twiggy someplace in London in 1969. She's sitting alone, pensively, gazing downward that is especially captivating. It's not the usual model shot, not a pose, but a natural look.
In interviews with family and friends, many remarked how Linda had a gift for capturing her subjects when they were vulnerable and in the moment, rather than being contrived, putting on a face for the camera. It was as if Linda wasn't even there. She made everyone feel comfortable around her.
Amongst the collection are also a number of intimate family photographs, including one with Paul balancing himself on a fence on a farm in Scotland, wearing his night robe, while son James and daughter Stella were playing around, with the family dog in the distance. A typical family photo, it seems.
And some photographs demonstrate Linda's sense of humor. A stack of empty coffee cups in a studio in London, and one with a bottle of Whisky and baby milk, side by side.
The e-book edition is made for Apple's iBook for iPad, and includes a video interview with Paul McCartney, Stella and Mary. It's a pleasure to scroll through the photographs interactively, rotating and zooming in, and reading the captions.
It's also an inspiration for those who have, or want to take up photography. A gem.
December 14, 2011
First off, if you do get this book it will cost you a fortune to get it sent, and you may need a big bag if like me you carry it home from the library (with two bags of shopping as well). It's huge, a giant of a book.
So Linda married Paul, and sung in a band, and had a bundle of cute kids and everybody looks wonderful when they are young. It seems funny to me that after decades of the seventies looking dorky, suddenly in 2011 everything looks cool, even the cheap polyester clothes and bedraggled hair looks all hip and chilled out. Maybe now cos all the millionaires, rockstars and wannabes are all tacky and flashy with diamonds, designer clothes, ten thousand dollar handbags and girls looking like porn stars. In the seventies though all the boys and girls look stylie and like they have just jumped out of bed.
So a lovely book to look at, it makes you want to pick up a camera and a couple of Beatles. 4/5
So Linda married Paul, and sung in a band, and had a bundle of cute kids and everybody looks wonderful when they are young. It seems funny to me that after decades of the seventies looking dorky, suddenly in 2011 everything looks cool, even the cheap polyester clothes and bedraggled hair looks all hip and chilled out. Maybe now cos all the millionaires, rockstars and wannabes are all tacky and flashy with diamonds, designer clothes, ten thousand dollar handbags and girls looking like porn stars. In the seventies though all the boys and girls look stylie and like they have just jumped out of bed.
So a lovely book to look at, it makes you want to pick up a camera and a couple of Beatles. 4/5
April 30, 2011
Para aquellos amantes de las fotografías históricas (el rock tiene un par de décadas sobre su lomo) este se aproxima a la perfección (existe? o es un mero límite que ponemos los humanos). John, Paul, Ringo, The Who, Jimmy, los Zeppelin, Jagger y Richards en plan reviente...
Particularmente me gustó una foto de unos recalcitrantes ingleses en el medio de la campiña, se los veía sediciosos, y asombrados porque alguien les estaba tomando una instantánea (toda foto es una instantánea, Susan Sontag décadas atrás metería barullo... pero es así, Susan).
Típico libro que uno regala a alguien en sus cincuenta años...
Particularmente me gustó una foto de unos recalcitrantes ingleses en el medio de la campiña, se los veía sediciosos, y asombrados porque alguien les estaba tomando una instantánea (toda foto es una instantánea, Susan Sontag décadas atrás metería barullo... pero es así, Susan).
Típico libro que uno regala a alguien en sus cincuenta años...
June 9, 2011
amazing book! i feel like i got a glimpse of who she was just by looking at the photographs. that doesn't always happen with every photographer out there. and usually, when i look through artists portfolios and collections, some of them give off the feeling of pretentiousness, like they tried too hard. with linda's pictures, it all felt easy, and natural, almost stripped down, and also extremely personal. she lived during a very exciting time with so many events and things happening, and seeing some of them through her lenses gave me a new perspective.
May 22, 2011
I've looked at all the pics, read the intros by Annie, Paul and the kids; marked the book read, BUT, this book is so amazing that I will never be done looking at it. The pics not only give you a glance to the past - to rock-n-roll-royalty - to Lindas family, they also provoke thought and wonder. Linda McCartney's Life in Photographs will be a fave for a very long time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews