For more than three decades, Earl Gibson III has captured defining moments in culture, history, and entertainment. From working with agencies like Shutterstock, Getty Images, and Associated Press to photographing icons like Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé, Earl’s work has graced the pages of The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Vogue, The New York Times, and countless others.
We were honored to sit down with Earl to talk about his career, the gear he loves, and the creative process that has kept him inspired for over 35 years. His insights reveal not only the technical mastery of a seasoned photojournalist but also the heart of an artist who never lost his sense of curiosity…or humility.
“I went into photography with the intention of showing the best parts of my community, and I feel I’ve achieved my objective.” – Earl Gibson III
The Interview
How did your journey as a photographer begin, and what has kept you driven to pursue this path for over 35 years?
I started my journey as a photographer the day my father came home with a Hasselblad 500C and Nikon camera he had purchased from a man selling cameras on the corner of our home. My dad was a steel mill worker and he ran across all sorts of people. He brought the cameras home and placed them behind a bar that he had in the house. Unfortunately for him, I saw him hide them, and I would go behind the bar and play with them everyday. I was maybe 9 years old and, for whatever reason, I thought I would one day travel the world with my beret atop of my head and create some of the best images known to man.
You’ve worked with major agencies such as ShutterStock, Associated Press, and Getty Images, and your photography has appeared in top publications including The New Yorker, Forbes, Vogue, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and many more. Can you identify a particular career milestone that made you realize you had truly “made it” in the industry?
The day I realized that things had changed for me is when I got a job with the Associated Press. Now what’s interesting about this position, is that I went in for an interview on a Tuesday and the woman I was supposed to meet with went into labor during our conversation. She instructed the secretary to make sure I had everything I needed for the photoshoot they were sending me on…That photoshoot was with the legendary Aretha Franklin. Since that day, I knew I was destined to do anything I chose.
What does being the Chief Photographer for such high-profile events like NAACP Image Awards mean to you personally and professionally?
Being in the position of ‘Chief Photographer’ has been a resounding pat on the back for me. I went into photography with the intention of showing the best parts of my community and I feel I’ve achieved my objective.
Your portfolio encompasses a wide range of styles, from portrait and street photography to nature and abstract work. What inspires you to explore such a wide variety of subjects, and how does switching between them shape the way you approach each shoot creatively?
I never had the opportunity to study under anyone in my career, so I thought it best that I dabble in all aspects of photography that I found enjoyable. I never wanted to be a locally renowned photographer. I had bigger aspirations, and I wanted the world to be my clientele. So it has always been important to be the best. My parents and grandparents would remind me that being average was unacceptable. And so even to this day, I practice as if I’ve never achieved anything. I don’t believe my own hype and I work hard to stay current.
What was the most memorable or challenging shoot that changed your perspective on photography or life?
I had the opportunity to shoot an event where Beyonce was performing. I was excited because digital had now become the camera of choice and I thought I had figured this thing out. I go to the shoot, position the subject, and snap my photos… I have never been the one to check the back of my camera after taking a photo, but I wish I had that day. I learned with film the importance of bracketing which, for whatever reason, I neglected to do in this particular instance. Not only had I failed to bracket, I realized that I shot in jpeg and was unable to recover the image due to the lights. From that day on, I will forever shoot in both raw and jpeg just in case I over or underexpose my image.
What does an example day look like for you when you’re preparing to cover a major event, such as the Golden Globes or “An Evening of Stars”? How do you handle the pressure when photographing such major events?
When I reflect upon my preparation for all of my photoshoots, they are all about the same. Because I take photography as seriously as a surgeon takes an operation, I am as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. I overthink, I overanalyze and far too often, I put more pressure on myself than anyone else ever could. With that in mind, I arrive at my shoots two hours early, I coordinate with the lighting team, I evaluate the environment and once I feel somewhat at ease, I pray that I deliver the best product my client has ever seen. Now once the event starts, I turn into The Hulk…and no one can stop me from working toward achieving my objective.
You’re an ambassador for Leica Cameras and have a passion for vintage cameras, cars, and watches. How do these interests influence your work and artistic vision?
I have always been a lover of architecture and the beauty of our planet. As a kid, I used to collect stamps and that ended the day Raquel Welch walked out of the water in one of those James Bond movies and James went over to her with his vintage Rolex watch on and from that moment on, I was hooked. I started collecting watches, cameras and then cars and I probably need prayer because I don’t see that desire ever ending. I guess I just love the finer things in life.
For aspiring photographers, can you share key lessons or habits that have proven critical to sustaining creativity and success over the years?
No matter whatever you choose in life, you have to embrace success as well as failure. As a photographer, I never went into this art form with the intention of making money. I do what I do because I love the feeling of creating something uniquely beautiful and emotionally appealing. I feel that if you don’t feel the image then you have failed at your job. I would reaffirm for my younger self that you’re gonna be fine as long as you never detour from your objective. I learned very young that the same people that cheer you will jeer you so let the only opinion of your work always be your own. I am my own harshest critic.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career, especially about navigating the ups and downs of the dynamic creative industry?
This is very easy for me. Never stop shooting. And more importantly, continue to practice every chance you get.
Any other tips or highlights from your experience you’d like to share?
The road to success is not a straight line. My career has had more dips than the stock market. My objective has always been to be the best. I have not missed one step in ensuring that my clients are the most important part of this story, and I work tirelessly to ensure I maintain a close relationship with them by always helping to create an environment of communication. Never underestimate your competition and, more importantly, never fall victim to your own hype. There is always another gun slinger waiting to take you down so make sure you give it your best shot every time you push the shutter.
Conclusion
Earl Gibson’s journey reminds us that photography is more than capturing images. It’s about capturing spirit, history, and truth. His career spans moments of serendipity (like photographing Aretha Franklin on his very first AP assignment) and hard-earned lessons (never shooting without RAW backups again).
What stands out most is Earl’s unwavering dedication: to his craft, his community, and his clients. His humility keeps him pushing forward, his versatility keeps him relevant, and his love for the art keeps him inspired. For aspiring photographers, his advice is simple but powerful: never stop shooting, keep practicing, and never believe your own hype.
