From Digital Camera World · · 1m
Paparazzo's Wild Pursuit: How David Koppel Got the Shot
David Koppel's 1980s-90s paparazzi exploits reveal the raw, unfiltered chase for celebrity photos before digital autofocus.
In brief
David Koppel's 1980s-90s paparazzi exploits reveal the raw, unfiltered chase for celebrity photos before digital autofocus. Paparazzi work required physical risk and timing, not digital tools. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Punched by Bowie
David Koppel got punched by David Bowie in the 1980s after Bowie climbed a table to confront him.
“For him in the 1980s and 90s, a bad day at work involved David Bowie climbing onto a table and punching him in the head.”
Thumped by Jagger
Mick Jagger thumped David Koppel during a paparazzi encounter in the 1980s.
“He was thumped by Mick Jagger, swatted with a rolled-up newspaper by Bob Dylan, put in a headlock by Pierce Brosnan and scolded by Joanna Lumley.”
Swatted by Dylan
Bob Dylan swatted David Koppel with a rolled-up newspaper during a 1990s paparazzi chase.
“He was thumped by Mick Jagger, swatted with a rolled-up newspaper by Bob Dylan, put in a headlock by Pierce Brosnan and scolded by Joanna Lumley.”
Brando's Taxi Chase
Koppel shot Marlon Brando in 1992 after a taxi ride in Bayswater, capturing Brando sitting at a table.
“A tip about the iconic actor arriving at Heathrow Airport turned out to be a bust, so he and a rival pap went for a Chinese meal in Bayswater, only for Brando to walk in and sit at the next table.”
Film Era Challenges
Koppel used film photography without autofocus, processing shots manually to capture celebrities.
“Back in those days, all Koppel had to work with was a roll of film, no screen to check and no idea whether his shots were in focus until he'd processed it.”
Diana's Uncredited Shot
Koppel took a photo of Princess Diana greeting Liza Minnelli without credit, earning him a knighthood.
“His shot of Diana greeting Liza Minnelli made the front page of The Sun newspaper, which, despite his request to leave him uncredited, printed his name in large type.”
Paparazzi Scum
Pierce Brosnan called Koppel 'paparazzi scum' after their 1997 encounter in Phuket.
“When Koppel bumped into Brosnan again in Phuket around that time, the actor called him 'paparazzi scum' and walked off.”
Here's the gist
Paparazzi work required physical risk and timing, not digital tools.
