For Ep34 of Thinking of Art, I spoke with Leica Gallery LA Director Paris Chong about rock & roll photography, legendary photographer Neal Preston’s iconic images, discussed some of Preston’s most sought after shots, & more!

Neal Preston is one of the most highly respected photographers in the history of the music business. His career in photography, which started in high school and continues to the present, has spanned well over 4 decades. Through his body of work Preston has made a significant contribution to the pop culture history of multiple generations. His archive stands as one of the music industry’s single most elite (and extensive) photographic collections.

Preston’s work has been displayed at such elite institutions as the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., the National Gallery in London, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio . His iconic photograph of Freddie Mercury is part of the permanent photo exhibit at the new Wembley Stadium in London. His work is included in the permanent collection of the new Yankee Stadium in New York, and close to 100 of Preston’s photographs adorn the walls of the newly renovated Forum in Inglewood, California.