Darrell Westmoreland Entertainment Photographer est. 1971
info@darrellwestmoreland.com
CONTACT & BOOKING
**Rock & Roll is a Lifestyle: SNAP CLICK FLASH – The Book**
The music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years, and with it, the intimate relationships that photographers once enjoyed with musicians have faded. In contrast, Darrell has been humbled to cultivate profound, meaningful connections with some of the biggest names in music. Within the pages of *SNAP CLICK FLASH*, you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique photographs and captivating stories—cherished experiences that today’s stars are unlikely to replicate. And let’s be honest: the 80s were absolutely wild!
Join us on a vibrant visual journey through the decades, beginning in the 70s with icons like David Bowie and Tom Petty, soaring through the 80s with legends such as Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, diving into the 90s with grunge pioneers like Nirvana and Alice in Chains, and into the 2000s with modern hits from Adam Levine, No Doubt, and many more.
**All Access – Darrell’s Story**
It all began in 1969 when Darrell first picked up a Yashica twin lens camera. Back then, photography was much more than just a click; it was a careful art requiring manual film development and processing. Darrell’s journey started by snapping photos for a local newspaper and his high school yearbook. Just two years later, he was thrust into the world of rock music photography at the monumental Satsop Rock Festival in 1971, where he captured the likes of Youngbloods, Eric Burdon, Spencer Davis Group, Steve Miller Band, Ike and Tina Turner, and Derek and the Dominos. Hired by the festival promoter, he found himself amidst 60,000 attendees over four electrifying days.
As the years rolled on, Darrell’s work gained recognition, leading him to key decision-makers in radio and record companies across the Pacific Northwest. Little did he know that his passion for photography would evolve into a remarkable 45+ year career capturing the world’s greatest musical stars. The rest, as they say, is history.
**The Story of the Storyteller**
“I first crossed paths with Darrell in 1974 while I was the General Manager and Program Director at KGHO Radio. He came into my office with a portfolio showcasing his stunning shots from a recent Elton John concert. I was blown away; these were not just good photos—they were exceptional. When he told me he had taken them himself, I was astonished.
Fast forward a year, and I found myself at Capitol Records in Hollywood as their West Coast Promotion and Marketing Manager. My role involved coordinating artists’ tours and promotional events, and I needed a true professional photographer who could capture the magic backstage and at various events. Most photographers I had encountered simply didn’t meet the mark. But I remembered that young guy from Montesano with the incredible Elton John photos.
I enlisted Darrell to photograph the Paul McCartney & Wings concert in Seattle in 1976, and as expected, he delivered breathtaking shots. We had a blast capturing shows with a spectacular lineup: Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Bob Seger, Heart, Bonnie Raitt, Hammer, Little River Band, Anne Murray, Duran Duran—you name it. If they were on Capitol’s label, Darrell was right there with a camera in hand, chronicling the action. Many artists prefer to shy away from photography after a performance, but Darrell had a unique talent for making them feel at ease. He would deftly navigate the scene, his motor drive cameras firing from every angle, creating a whirlwind of excitement that captivated the room. Time and again, I would hear top names in the industry ask, ‘Where did you find this guy? He’s incredible!’
Our collaboration continued until I retired from Capitol Records in 1998, and I cherish every moment we shared capturing the historical milestones of rock music. Congratulations, Darrell, on a phenomenal career. As Tina Turner once said, you are ‘Simply The Best!’”