Photographer Edie Baskin Reflects on 25 Years at ‘Saturday Night Live’
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Renowned photographer Edie Baskin is reminiscing about her impressive 25-year journey with the iconic television show ‘Saturday Night Live’. Baskin played a crucial role in creating some of the most unforgettable imagery associated with the show, particularly during its early seasons. Her distinct hand-colored portraits of luminaries like Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Ray Charles, Will Ferrell, and many others have left an indelible mark on SNL’s legacy.
In her latest book titled ‘Live From My Studio: The Art of Edie Baskin’, the 79-year-old shares a collection of rarely seen portraits that encapsulate the essence of the show’s early days. From cast members to musical guests and hosts, Baskin’s work behind the lens captured the raw talent and energy that permeated through the SNL stage from 1975 to 1999. Reflecting on her artistic journey, she credits her upbringing in a family of artists for fuelling her passion for photography.
Growing up amidst creatives in Los Angeles, Baskin eventually found her way to New York City where she explored different avenues before rediscovering her love for photography. A chance encounter with Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind SNL, set the stage for her enduring collaboration with the groundbreaking show. Michaels was drawn to Baskin’s unique style, marked by hand-painted photographs that exuded a distinct charm in the world of analog photography.
The beginnings of Baskin’s association with SNL were marked by creative freedom and an unbridled passion for capturing the essence of New York City’s vibrant streets in the show’s title sequences. As the show gained traction and fame, Baskin’s role expanded to encompass photographing hosts and musical guests, further cementing her place as an integral part of the SNL family. Her knack for blending nostalgia with innovation elevated SNL’s visual identity to new heights.
Recalling her interactions with the various casts that graced SNL’s stage, Baskin fondly remembers the camaraderie and closeness that defined the early years of the show. From the original cast, including luminaries like Jane, Lorne, Gilda, and Dan, to subsequent generations of talented performers, Baskin’s lens captured the evolution of SNL through its diverse array of personalities and characters.
Throughout her illustrious career at SNL, Baskin’s portfolio grew to include an array of memorable faces, from seasoned hosts like Steve Martin to recurring guests such as John Malkovich and Alec Baldwin. Despite occasional challenges in photographing reluctant subjects, Baskin’s unwavering dedication to her craft shone through in each hand-tinted portrait that graced the SNL stage.
As Baskin’s book launches, offering a glimpse into her remarkable journey with SNL, she reflects on the privilege of contributing to a show that has left an indelible mark on television history. Her artistic vision, coupled with Michaels’ unwavering support, transformed SNL’s visual landscape and underscored the power of collaborative creativity in shaping cultural phenomena. Through ‘Live From My Studio: The Art of Edie Baskin’, audiences can relive the magic of SNL through Baskin’s lens, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.