"Music, I believe is the greatest art form because it can create so many different emotions. It mostly makes people feel good and that is really needed in today's world. I want people to look at my work and just for that brief viewing moment have an enjoyable feeling."

Jim Summaria: Rock n' Roll Lens Passion

Jim Summaria is a veteran rock concert photographer whose photos have been published in numerous books, CDs, and publications. His lifelong passion for rock photography began as a 19-year-old armed with a Kodak Instamatic at a 1972 Rolling Stones concert. Thrilled with his first effort, he invested in a 35mm camera and a zoom lens, and sneaked onto the main floor of a Led Zeppelin concert to snap photos. One image was posted at a local record shop; the manager was impressed and hired the 20-year-old as the official photographer for a major Chicago concert promoter. Summaria went on to shoot every major rock act of the ’70s.

(Photos: Jim Summaria and his book “Classic Rock: Photographs from Yesterday and Today”)

Growing up in Oak Park (Chicago) in the ’60s, Jim Summaria had a talent for photography and a passion for rock music. But he couldn’t have known that his talent and passion would combine to lead him to be, so to speak, “in the room where it happened,” shooting many of rock music’s best bands for much of the ’70s. Half a century later, Summaria, now retired in the far northwest suburbs, is sharing a look back at those electric days with a photo book. His “Classic Rock: Photographs from Yesterday and Today” (2019), featuring his photos and text from professional writer and rock historian Mark Plotnick.

Interview by Michael Limnios       Photos © By Jim Summaria, All Rights Reserved

What moment(s) changed your life the most?

In 1972, I brought my very amateur Kodak Instamatic (with a flashcube) to a Rolling Stones concert where I had 10th row center, so I had a great view of the stage. My photos were a little blurry, but it was so cool to have a remembrance of the show. This led to me bringing my camera to more shows and I could sneak up to the stage to take a couple of shots. A friend suggested I get a 35mm camera with a telephoto lens so I could get better quality photos. So, I went to Sears and bought a 35mm camera with three lenses. Not really knowing much about the camera or photography in general, none the less my photos improved. I self-taught myself the basics (later I would go to college). In 1973, and again with great seats, I photographed Led Zeppelin and got some great photos. I brought the Zeppelin photos to a local record store in the Chicago area named Flip Side and asked the manager if he wanted to display the Zeppelin photos on their store walls. Flip Side already had some concert photos displayed. The manager loved the photos and told me bring in concert photos anytime.

I did that for a couple more shows and then he asked me if I wanted to be the official photographer for them. Oh, by the way, Flip Side happened to be owned by a major rock concert promoter in Chicago. So of course, I agreed and at the age of 19 I was getting backstage passes and photographing rock shows up close and personal. Right place - right time. This changed my life because my interest in photography deepened, and I wanted to become a professional photographer.  After I graduated college, I got a job as a full-time commercial photographer and have done so for 45 years. 

"Music needs to keep changing and even though some of the current music is not to my liking there is still many artists out there putting out great stuff. I try to keep current but I always go back to the music of the 1950's, 60's, 70's and some 80's for solace. That's my generation and what I feel most comfortable with." (Kim Simmonds & Bob Dylan / Photos © by Jim Summaria, All Rights Reserved)

What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your art?

Easy...I have a deep passion for photography and music. The combination is perfect.

What's the balance in photo art between technique and emotions? What do you think is key for a good image/shot?

It's a combination of both technique and emotion. The elements of composition must be there along with capturing the one of many decisive moments of a performance. The decisive moment could be anything from a grimace to body language. Lighting is very important as well. Close ups, distant (full body and full stage), wide angles, side views, front views photos should be made as well. I want the viewer to feel as if they were there and can hear the music in their head. Also, to say after viewing the photos... I should have gone to that concert.       

What´s been the highlights in your career so far? Are there any specific memories that you would like to tell us about?

First getting the backstage passes at 19 and photographing the biggest acts of the 1970's like the Stones, Zeppelin, The Who, McCartney and Elvis among others was a huge thrill.

Other highlights were being published for the first time with a cover photo of Mick Jagger in a rock magazine. Since then, I have been published in many books, magazines, CD's and albums. It's always exciting to see my work out there. Because of my rock photography I have a book published "Classic Rock: Photographs From Yesterday & Today." This led to my radio show "That Classic Rock Show" on a local Chicago Land station. Both the book and radio show are with Mark Plotnick.

Highlights of my commercial photography are many. I have photographed presidents, generals, movie stars, CEO's as well as homeless people, drug addicts and everything in between. I also had a book published on 1995 titled "Pictures for Employee Publications." Being a photojournalist has been a dream come true. I've been very fortunate to have been able to be a photographer for 50 years.             

"It's a combination of both technique and emotion. The elements of composition must be there along with capturing the one of many decisive moments of a performance. The decisive moment could be anything from a grimace to body language. Lighting is very important as well. Close ups, distant (full body and full stage), wide angles, side views, front views photos should be made as well. I want the viewer to feel as if they were there and can hear the music in their head. Also, to say after viewing the photos... I should have gone to that concert." (Keith Richards & BB King / Photos © by Jim Summaria, All Rights Reserved)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Music needs to keep changing and even though some of the current music is not to my liking there is still many artists out there putting out great stuff. I try to keep current but I always go back to the music of the 1950's, 60's, 70's and some 80's for solace. That's my generation and what I feel most comfortable with.

As for the future, AI is scary. Music should be written,  performed and instruments should be played by people. 

What is the impact of Photography/Music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want your work to affect people?

Music, I believe is the greatest art form because it can create so many different emotions. It mostly makes people feel good and that is really needed in today's world. I want people to look at my work and just for that brief viewing moment have an enjoyable feeling.

Who was the most photogenic and difficult artist?

My favorite band to photograph was the Who. They had so many moving parts and characters. Being up close for Elvis, the Stones, Zeppelin and McCartney was beyond exciting.  Photographing other bands of that era was very exciting as well. Getting to meet many band members and create friendships with Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown, Pete Haycock and Derek Holt of Climax Blues Band, Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash and Ronnie Montrose is very cool indeed. No one was ever difficult, but the biggest challenge was... then and now... poor lighting at a show.

Jim Summaria / Rock n' Roll Photography - Home

(Peter Townshend & Johnny Winter / Photo © by Jim Summaria, All Rights Reserved)