The Candid Frame: Conversations on Photography

TCF Ep. 649 - Martyn Goddard

Nov 7, 2025

Martyn Goddard, a British photographer celebrated for his striking imagery of the late 1970s punk and new wave scene, shares captivating stories about his work with Blondie. He discusses his early career influences, the challenges of live shooting, and the art of capturing candid moments with the band. Goddard recounts memorable shoots with Debbie Harry, his creative techniques using unusual gear, and how he turned archival work into his book, 'Blondie: In Camera.' His vivid anecdotes transport listeners back to a revolutionary era in music and photography.

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ADVICE

Borrow Techniques From Other Genres

Reuse techniques from other genres to create fresh looks; Martyn applied fashion lighting approaches to rock photography.
Experiment freely in college or early career to discover unexpected, distinguishing techniques.

ADVICE

Use Lab Tests And Bracketing In Low Light

Use lab relationships and clip tests to confidently push slow film in low light situations.
Shoot bracketed exposures and spare black-and-white rolls when color might fail.

ADVICE

Plan Studio Shoots Down To The Minute

Prepare precise ideas and setups before short magazine studio sessions so you can shoot efficiently.
Meet the band briefly, do the shoot your way first, then their way to compare results quickly.

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When photographer Martyn Goddard began documenting the emerging punk and new wave scene in London during the late 1970s, he was capturing more than a musical movement—he was photographing a cultural revolution. His lens found its way to some of the most influential bands of the era, none more iconic than Blondie. His candid, stylish, and energetic photographs reveal the band's magnetic presence both on and off stage, chronicling the rise of Debbie Harry and her bandmates at a moment when music, fashion, and attitude collided. That work is now celebrated in his new book, Blondie: In Camera, a visual time capsule that immerses readers in the band's world during their formative years. More than nostalgia, the book reflects Goddard's ability to balance artistry and access—creating images that feel as intimate as they are electric. Through his photographs, he reminds us why Blondie's aesthetic and spirit continue to resonate decades later, defining an era when photography and music were inseparable forces of style and identity. Resources: Martyn Goddard https://www.martyngoddard.com Blondie: In Camera Available on Amazon Altadena Photographers https://www.altadenaphotographers.org/ Support Ibarionex & The Candid Frame GoFundMe BuyMeaCoffee eBook Purchases Websites The Candid Frame Patreon Page The Candid Frame PayPal Contribution Link Signed Editions of "Making Photographs: Developing a Personal Visual Workflow." Sponsors Charcoal Book Club https://charcoalbookclub.com Frames Magazine FRAMES Magazine | Because Excellent Photography Belongs On Paper (readframes.com) Education Resources: Momenta Photographic Workshops https://momentaworkshops.com/workshops/ Candid Frame Resources The Candid Frame Newsletter & Substack Blog The Candid Frame Alexa Skill Making Photographs: Developing a Personal Visual Workflow The Candid Frame Flickr Pool The Candid Frame YouTube Channel Contribute a one-time donation to the show thru Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/thecandidframe Support the work at The Candid Frame by contributing to our Patreon effort. You can do this by visiting patreon.com/thecandidframe or the website and clicking on the Patreon button. You can also provide a one-time donation via PayPal. You can follow Ibarionex on Instagram and Twitter.