My journey into celebrity photojournalism began in 1979.
I had an early fascination with celebrities. Meeting, photographing, and collecting autographs became my
hobby.
Those early years inspired me to turn my hobby into what became my professional career.
The first photograph I sold went Lucille Ball toforhe New York Post in 1982.
The last 15 years of my career were dedicated to documenting Broadway.
Photographing Rehearsals, Meet & Greets a, d Opening Nights which included Backstage, Theatre Arrivals,
Curtain Calls and After Parties.
All my shoots and assignments became photo coverage columns on BroadwayWorld.
In 2011 I made my Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in ‘Hugh Jackman on Broadway’.
In November 2012 I was also honored with the Actors’ Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award.
In 2020 I retired from my job of 40 years and moved to Wilton Manors. I‘m a proud member of Arts United.
My archive is syndicated worldwide by Getty Images.
Lucy Ball and Gary Morton attend a performance of “42nd Street” on October 1, 1980 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City.
Lady Gaga attends the 2019 National Board Of Review Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 08, 2019 in New York City.
Tell us more about your work:
I’m a Celebrity Photojournalist. I’ve been photographing Celebrities from the Stage & Screen since 1979.In 1982, I became a professional when I sold my very first photograph of Lucy Ball with her husband Gary Morton to the NY Post.
For the 15 years of my career I was focused mostly on Broadway. Photographing everything! Meet & Greets, Rehearsals, Broadway Debut profiles, Opening Night Arrivals, Curtain Calls, Cast After Parties, and the Actor’s Equity Gypsy Robe Ceremonies.
What is something you had to put off because of the pandemic that you have recently done or is on your list to do soon? I’m still in the process of working on that. I will have my very first One Person Show at Rebel Wine Bar in Oakland Park showing 14 or more images from My DIVA Collection.
What does your art future hold for you?
I want to get more and more involved in the Arts Community here in Fort Lauderdale. I look forward to unearthing more and more images from my four-decade archive and showing themshowinga whole new audience.
How do you keep motivated?
I’m retired from the business now. The pandemic crushed me both personally and professionally. I lost the Fee-lance business I built up and Broadway was closed down for two years. So, I decided maybe after all these four decades it was time to pull the plug and start what I call my 3rd Act.
Name a famous artist that inspires you and one not yet famous artist you would like the readers to know about.
I’m not good with ever naming one of anything! So, I will name the ones that have inspired me. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Al Hirschfeld, Francesco Scavullo and there ar,e many more.
The ones not famous yet or have become new inspirations are Dennis Dean, Enrique Antonio Cirino Fasanaro, Daniel Roemmelt and Robert Reda.
Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?
My very first solo show at Rebel Wine Bar – Friday, January 13th, 2023, located at 3520 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33334
What inspires you to be an artist and what inspiration can you pass on to others? What inspires me is originality. Now, how did they do or come up with that?! How was it executed? I also love a quirky Personality, a Sense of Humor, and Life stories. I’m fascinated by Drag Queens. How they create art with their own body and being.to become a whole new person and personality. There are two here locally that rock my world Miss Bouvee aka Eric Swanson and Suzie Toot aka Benjamin Shaevitz.
How are you giving back to your community?
I’m still in the early stages as I moved here only 14 months ago from the New York and New Jersey area. I want to give more of my time to the new Hot Spots gallery in Wilton Manors as well as donate my photographs when I can to help raise money for different charities and organizations.
Let’s end with a fun fact about you!
I’m very shy and mysterious but yet an open book. I guess that’s the GEMINI in me.
Also… I made my Broadway debut with the one and only High Jackman!
Anything else you would like to include?
At this point in my career, I would like to recreate my photographs of celebrities into an art form. I look forward to dabbling with all types of multimedia.
But using my original photographs as a base. I have several ideas in mind to create Books of my photographs. I just need the right collaboration and guidance.
Preferred Email Address:walter@waltermcbridephotography.com Social Media Links: Facebook: Walter McBride
Instagram: WalterMcBrideCollection
Twitter: @wmcbridephoto
Denzel Washington attends the Broadway Opening Night After Party for “A Raisin In The Sun” at Tribeca Rooftop on April 3, 2014 in New York City.BETTE MIDLER 1983 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, NYC.Diana Ross performing ‘Endless Memories’ in concert at City Center on April 29, 2017 in New York City.
Aretha Franklin onstage during the BET Honors 2012 at the Warner Theatre on January 14, 2012 in Washington, DC.
