From Maxim · · 2m
Coldplay One Lens: 25 Years of Photographs
Victoria Smith shares 25 years of Coldplay photography in new book.
In brief
Victoria Smith shares 25 years of Coldplay photography in new book. Photographer Victoria Smith released Coldplay One Lens: 25 Years of Photographs after 25 years of documenting the band. Originally reported by Maxim.
Coldplay One Lens: 25 Years of Photographs
Photographer Victoria Smith reveals a behind-the-scenes look at the band that has sold more than 170 million records worldwide.
Victoria Smith’s photography journey
Leaving home at 14, Smith traveled from New York to California, shooting everyone from Johnny Rotten to Drake and Grimes.
Smith’s early Coldplay photos
June 2001: Smith first photographed Coldplay at San Francisco’s Warfield Theater.
Coldplay’s record success
Coldplay has sold over 170 million records globally, winning 7 Grammys and 9 Brit Awards.
Smith’s book release
Smith released Coldplay One Lens: 25 Years of Photographs with DK Books after 25 years of photography.
Smith’s early Coldplay collaboration
Smith met Chris Martin backstage at San Francisco’s Warfield Theater in 2001.
Smith’s mentorship
Smith learned from mentors like Baron Wolman, Robert Altman, Chet Helms, Jim Marshall, and Michael Zagaris.
Smith’s book development
Smith scanned negatives in 2024 and organized her archive to create Coldplay One Lens.
Book’s market success
The book reached #2 in Photojournalism and #2 in Rock Music Books on Amazon’s Hottest New Releases.
Smith’s photography philosophy
Smith takes photos without running her camera like a machine gun, focusing on genuine moments.
Coldplay’s personality
Coldplay members are sweet, stoked, and laugh often, playing cricket in parking lots on tour.
Smith’s book timeline
From scanning negatives in 2024 to book release in 2026, Coldplay One Lens took 2.5 years.
Book’s impact
Smith says the book is a legacy piece made with love and blood, sweat, and tears.
What happens next
Smith plans to release a second book in person after the current one’s success.
The big picture
Photographer Victoria Smith released Coldplay One Lens: 25 Years of Photographs after 25 years of documenting the band.
