Rocky Gunn
ROCKY GUNN
I believe the year was 1974 or 1975, I arrived at the seminar on wedding photography a bit early. At the time I was getting my business started and I signed up for this particular wedding photography seminar due to a direct mail piece I received.
I never heard of the speaker but his photos were unbelievably beautiful. He called his style "Illustrative". It is the combination of formal bridal techniques and theatrical stylings. After I registered and got settled in, I saw someone dressed in a leather jacket and jeans. He was talking to a few people outside the conference room. I did not know who it was but I thought to myself why would someone come to a seminar like this dressed so sloppily. When the program started and Rocky Gunn was introduced by Hugh Tribble of National Color Lab, Up to the stage walks this fella with the leather jacket. It was Rocky Gunn.
Rocky had so much charisma up on the stage he easily won the audience over.
There were several great photographers utilizing classic portraiture, but Rocky Gunn took it one step further. He incorporated dance movements in his Bridal Portraits and wedding photography that made him a legend.
Rocky began his wedding photography business with a whole new concept and his new approach was immediately accepted. He soon developed one of the busiest and financially successful photography studios in the world.
He was described as "the best" in the New York Professional Photographer trade magazine and " the world's best exciting wedding photographer" by the British Institute of Incorporated Photographers trade journal.
He has given programs throughout the U.S. and all parts of the world. His presentations are not only educational but also inspirational. They generate such enthusiasm that he received several standing ovations during his record breaking program at the PPA national convention in Chicago.
He was literally carried off the platform in Mexico by exuberant photographers. And in Cologne, Germany where he was the first photographer to ever give a seminar at Photokena. It was there that he received an ovation that exceeded 10 minutes.
I got a chance to see Rocky give what I think was his best performance ever when he spoke to a crowd of 1200 at The Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). It was in 1982 and was one of my favorite programs I have ever attended.
I could go on and on about his accolades not to mention the article that Life Magazine did about him, but pure and simple Rocky was one of a kind. Not only were his photographs beautiful but his charismatic charm helped him make it to the top. Even in many of today's outstanding photographers, you will see Rock Gunn's influence.
Left to Right - Monte Zucker, Rocky Gunn and Bill Stockwell when Bill and Monte competed in a heavily touted battle in the boxing ring at Caesar's Palace in 1981. With Rocky Gunn as the referee.
Special thanks to Bill Stockwell of http://www.mauiweddingphotographer.com/ for the use of photo