Between Terminals E and FOctober 1, 2013 - August 24, 2014
Philadelphia
photographer Scott Weiner has been taking photographs since the mid-1970s. From
the very beginning of his career, he was interested in concert photography. As
a young photographer, Weiner would buy tickets to shows and take photographs
from his seat.
While
in college studying radio, television, and film at Temple University, he sold
his first professional photograph to the
Philadelphia Inquirer. It was a backstage
photo of the now legendary musician Leon Russell. The next day, Weiner sold the
remaining photos of Russell to the artist’s record label. Weiner has been a
professional photographer ever since.
Years
later, while working for the magazine Philadelphia
Style, Weiner routinely photographed celebrities who came to Philadelphia. At
one point, his editor commented that a particular photo wasn’t “Philly enough.”
Weiner replied, “What do I have to do, shoot celebrities with a sign saying
‘I’m in Philly?’” So he did.
Since
then, Weiner has worked on a series of photographs that he describes as a
“secret project.” At the end of each photo session, he gives the celebrity a
handmade sign that reads, “I’m in Philly,” and he takes one final shot. Using
signs drawn by his daughter, he carries them to every photo shoot. Today, he
has accumulated nearly 90 I’m in Philly
photographs from politicians and well-known personalities to musicians and
actors.
As
this is Weiner’s first exhibition of I’m
in Philly – it’s no longer a secret project.
Over
the years, Scott Weiner’s commissioned work has been published in many of the
most popular music and entertainment magazines throughout the world. His
photographs have also appeared on album and CD covers and have been used by
MTV. He has exhibited his photos in Philadelphia, New York, and his work is
featured in the traveling exhibition Rock
Art Show.