Capturing Left Eye: An Interview with Stephen McBride
Image courtesy of Stephen McBride Photography
In the summer of 1999, esteemed photographer Stephen McBride captured a powerful image of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes for a charitable Women’s Hip-Hop calendar, a moment that fused artistry with activism. This project allowed McBride to showcase his unique visual style while collaborating with one of music’s most compelling and multifaceted figures. The photographs he produced did more than document a moment in time—it encapsulated the essence of Lisa’s bold spirit, her fearless creativity, and her profound influence on both music and popular culture.
As part of the Eye 4 Eye Virtual Symposium 2024, held on August 18, 2024, I had the distinct privilege of conducting a comprehensive email interview with McBride, which was presented during our keynote session, “Capturing Left Eye.” Although he could not attend the event in person, McBride’s reflections provided a rich, first-hand perspective on his experience photographing Lisa and his understanding of her lasting legacy.
This interview offers a window into McBride's artistic process and his personal connection to that defining moment in Lisa’s career. It also illuminates the broader cultural significance of her work and the enduring resonance of her image. Join us as we explore McBride’s vivid recollections, uncovering new dimensions of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ influence and the ways in which her legacy continues to shape the narratives of hip-hop and beyond.
Meet the Photographer
Just in case this symposium and blog post are your first introduction to Stephen’s work, please review a brief biography below:
Stephen McBride is a professional photographer based in New York, specializing in music photography, celebrities, fashion, advertising, and product photography. With a passion for capturing the essence of his subjects, Stephen has built an impressive portfolio that reflects his unique perspective and artistry. His work is distinguished by its ability to reveal the spirit and personality of the people he photographs, whether they are legendary musicians or emerging talents. Over time, he has had the pleasure of shooting numerous individuals whose careers he deeply admires, which he considers the greatest reward of his profession. Through his lens, Stephen tells compelling visual stories, preserving moments of cultural significance and celebrating the creative expression of his subjects. His dedication to his craft has made him a respected figure in the world of photography, where he continues to leave an indelible mark with every frame.
For a deeper understanding of his remarkable life's journey, be sure to explore his website, stephenmcbridephotography.com.
Explore his newly released photographs of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes from their one and only photo session, showcased in the gallery below.
Images courtesy of Stephen McBride Photography
Interview transcription
Everyone has a unique origin story that led them to discover their life's purpose, and we would love to hear yours. How did you begin your journey as a photographer? What brought you specifically photographing Hip-Hop culture?
Stephen McBride: Well, my photography journey began when I first started taking pictures as a location scout [for] New York Undercover (TV show). My assignment was to take pictures of locations for the episode.
What was it like to photograph Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and what were your initial impressions of her?
Stephen McBride: It was an honor to photograph Lisa. When she first walked in I was wrapping up a previous shoot because we were shooting for a hip-hop calendar in Atlanta in a hotel room and I didn't recognize her. They had to tell me that was Lisa and that's when I introduced myself, and she smiled, and that's when I knew it was her. She was so cool and calm and excited about the project.
Tell us the story behind the photoshoot with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. How did the collaboration for this project come about? If possible, provide a glimpse into the day of that photoshoot.
Stephen McBride: I can tell you that it was a rushed project because of the deadline and the scheduling of the artist when they originally told me they were gonna get left on. I didn't think they could but I was so glad that they did, ( big up to Sebastian by the way). It was a charitable calendar so I don't know all of the details [of] how it came about but when I was approached, if I wanted to do it, I jumped at it because of who [was] involved and it was different than what I was doing regular commercial photography. The budget was so tight we had to take an Amtrak from New York to Atlanta, so you know I really wanted to do it to go through that, but it was well worth it.
What was the experience of capturing Lisa's essence through your lens, and how did she stand out from the other remarkable individuals you've worked with in the entertainment and Hip-Hop industry?
Stephen McBride: Capturing artists is an art in itself because I am known for catering to the subject’s personality in the industry. This was a big reason why I was selected for this project. They needed someone who could capture these artists’ Inner souls to speak, and this is what I do. I always communicate with them first and get a good feeling of who they are. It doesn't take much, just being yourself is all that it really takes. That is my approach because this is who I am, if they can't feel comfortable around you you're only gonna get standard pictures.
Please describe the atmosphere on set during the photo shoots with Lisa. Did you notice any changes in Lisa's demeanor or style throughout your sessions with her? Did she surprise you in any way?
Stephen McBride: Well, I've heard the rumor of her being difficult to work with. I did not see that at all! As a matter of fact, she came in early and ready and quiet. Like I said, I didn't even recognize her because another reason for that is I didn't expect her to be there at that time, but I'm glad she did. She had more time to relax and take it all in with the other people on staff. The one thing about this business [is] if you have one bad shoot or situation, that'll be the one that everyone talks about. And that's something I never get involved with or hold over anyone's head. When you come in to shoot with me it's like OK whatever happened in the past has nothing to do with what we're going to do because I'm going to set it off. We're gonna get the best and that's what we did. I really want people to know that Lisa is one of the sweetest people I've met in this business, and I really mean that. She had the fire in her eyes that it was gonna be a new chapter. I could see it, I felt it, and I captured it on film.
We all know Lisa as an incredibly innovative individual, especially when it comes to shaping her persona within and outside of TLC, particularly in photoshoots and performances. However, the tone of this photoshoot seemed to indicate a shift in eras, gorgeously minimal, yet audacious. What was Lisa's creative vision and intention for this photoshoot? How did you two collaborate to bring this vision to life?
Stephen McBride: Lisa left the creativity of the shoot up to me as did the other artist because when I walk into an unknown location. I always go over every inch of it and see how I could incorporate the subject into that location in the best way possible that fits their personality. After looking at the outfits and the one she selected, I decided to use the bedroom part of the room. It was small and had a wall that was covered with mirrors, so the shot that you see with her on the bed I shot that image from the [position of the] mirror image, now that was some serious skills there. You really have to know your lighting very well amongst other things.
We are curious about your technical process for capturing Lisa. What equipment and lighting setup did you use? Did you experiment with any new methods that day?
Stephen McBride: I've never experimented with equipment on a job. I do test photo shoots to test new equipment and lighting all the time, but never on the actual job because time is money and money is time. You don't want to experiment at anyone else's expense. That is very unprofessional, and because I test lighting and equipment all the time. I'm never really in a jam when I'm on a location. For Lisa's shoot, I used a softbox along with natural light from the windows, because [there] was great light coming in that room but I controlled it with a softbox, and I shot a medium format. Everything on film.
Were there any particular challenges or standout highlights during the photo sessions with Lisa? How did Lisa's energy and presence influence your creative process as a photographer?
Stephen McBride: Honestly, the only challenges [were] the small room, the amount of people that [were] there, and probably [the] lack of sleep, but other than that, everyone on site was on point because I run a tight ship. If I catch you sleeping, I'll send you off immediately. I will not have distractions interfering with my shoot, because if that artist is distracted or the person you're shooting [is distracted], you're not gonna get the best or you're gonna have to work really hard to bring them back in; but Lisa and I were locked in, and it was just comfortable. There was a videographer on set as well and his segment went well [too].
Below, you can find the video segment Stephen is referring to, courtesy of The Eye is Right via Instagram (@the9isright). Please note that the video is being used for educational purposes only, and we do not claim ownership of this media.
Share any memorable moments or anecdotes from your photo sessions with Lisa. How did you manage to encapsulate Lisa's distinctive personality and artistic spirit in your photographs?
Stephen McBride: It all started with that smile she gave me when I introduced myself, and the smile that I gave back. It's almost like we understood each other just through the smile alone. When you let your light shine it is almost like we needed each other at that moment. It's almost like I knew it for years. I know that sounds cliché, but it is a true feeling that happens. She knew that I would not do her wrong. I don't know if she's done her homework about me beforehand, but she trusted me instantly.
She didn't have much time. I think everything was done within two hours or a little bit more than that — now that I think about it because of the hair and make-up time included. She left very happy and she's so tiny, so I had to put down my equipment when I gave her a hug because I'm tall. I got a little chuckle out of that we both did actually. I really wish she was around today to photograph more. I believe we would've had plenty of great photo sessions because we hit it off perfectly.
As we conclude, could you elaborate on how your photographs contribute to preserving the legacy of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes? Additionally, we would love to hear about your upcoming photography book and whether it will include stories from this shoot.
Stephen McBride: Because this was the only shoot that we've done together, for some reason something inside me told me to hold onto these pictures as long as I did. I never released them except for the job it was meant for which was the calendar. I kept my negatives in storage well protected because I knew she had a long great legacy in this business, and I wanted to protect that and the images. I can't even begin to tell you how many people I've turned down, and how much money was thrown at me who wanted me to share these images over the years, but I've waited and waited…and waited until something inside me told me it was time to release these great images of her, especially for the younger generation so they can see what I saw in her. I didn't want them to get lost in the sauce. That's why these images are so special to me.
My upcoming book is going to be a project of love. I’ve been working on it here and there for the past three years, but now I have the pedal to the metal because I have so many archives and stories to share that the time is now. I have so many pictures out of my shoots that even the ones that were published can't even hold a candle to what's really on film but that's what the art Director picked for the published jobs, but my selections will tell the real story and that's what I want this book the show and that's what it will show. I’m very excited about it. Most of the photoshopping, or retouching I should say, has been done and we're moving into the selection phase and the writing phase. [I am] really trying to get it out this year, if not definitely next year. And you better believe Lisa will be a featured section.
What's one to say? Thank you all! I wish I could've been there in person, so remember me the next time maybe it'll work out timing and scheduling. I am honored to be able to contribute in this way as well. THANK YOU!
As we celebrate these newly released images, we are reminded of the powerful ways Lisa continues to inspire new generations and beautifully capture the essence of Lisa's enduring influence on Hip-Hop culture. We honored to assist in providing their context. These rare photographs serve as a poignant reminder of her remarkable journey and the profound impact she made on the world. They stand as a timeless testament to Lisa's unwavering authenticity, resilience, and unfiltered self-expression, playing a crucial role in preserving the visual aspect of Lisa's extraordinary artistry. We express our heartfelt appreciation to Stephen for contributing his art, time, and memories to ensure that Lisa's spirit continues to inspire the new generation of Eyenetics.
If you are captivated by these stunning images of Lisa and would love to own one, you're in luck! You can find these beautiful pictures available for purchase at stephenmcbridephotography.com/store. Stephen is offering high-end prints and posters of Lisa's session, and there's an exciting end-of-summer print sale from September 1st through the 22nd. Don't miss this opportunity to bring a piece of Lisa's beauty into your home!
Additionally, Stephen McBride is a featured artist in our digital exhibition, Eye 4 Art, among other artists and fans of Left Eye, which will be open for viewing on September 13, 2024.
India Mallard
Contributing Writer | She/Her/Hers
India Mallard (pronounced In-dee-uh Mal-erd) is a Hip-Hop and Black cultural archivist, an aspiring Hip-Hop appraiser, and a multimedia storyteller based in Maryland, USA. She grew up in a unique environment that combined the Tri-state area and the Dirty South, cultivating her innate cultural mosaic perspective. Mallard is an alumna of Bowie State University, the oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the state, where she earned her B.S. in Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) with a concentration in Digital Cinema and Time-based Media. She is also notable for being one of three scholars who completed the Hip-Hop Studies and Visual Culture minor program, studying under the first female MC in Hip Hop history, MC Sha-Rock.
Additionally, Mallard owns and operates Soulful Haze, LLC, a multidisciplinary company that aims to connect generations in Black Culture and promote equality in the music and art enthusiast communities through research and archival services. The TB+PS (That Brain That Pac Sparked) blog and podcast, as well as her symposia efforts, are an embodiment of these efforts.
When not crate digging at her "wrecka stow" or browsing bookstores, India is actively involved in researching and writing essays on performing arts in the African diaspora, with a focus on film and Hip Hop culture. She is affiliated with organizations such as Women in Film, the Playwrights’ Center, the Association of Moving Image Archivists, the Hip-Hop Education Center, and the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Currently, India is a graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing her master’s degree in Library and Information Science and a certificate in Museum Scholarship and Material Culture while manifesting her multi-hyphenate dreams.
