Scottish born photojournalist Harry Benson has photographed all American presidents since Eisenhower. He has witnessed and captured some of the biggest events that have changed the world including Bobby Kennedy’s assassination and the fall of the Berlin Wall. He has twelve awards from the prestigious National Press Photographer Association and was recently named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for service to photography by Queen Elizabeth. In this exclusive interview with Fotoflock, the legendary photographer talks about his life as a photojournalist, his famous pillow fight photograph of the Beatles and more.

How did you begin your career as a photojournalist?
I started as a wedding photographer and then worked for a weekly newspaper in Scotland before going to London’s Fleet Street as a newspaper photographer.

How did you get the opportunity to shoot the Beatles on their first tour to America?
I was photographing the Beatles in Paris when they found out “I want to hold your hand” was number one in America and they were going to be on the Ed Sullivan TV show and I got the assignment from a London newspaper to go with them.

I knew I was recording history and that was the most important thing at the moment.

Would you say that this tour was your stepping stone to fame as a photojournalist?
No! I have been working for 60 years and you are just as good as your last assignment.

Can you tell us some more about your famous pillow fight photograph of the Beatles? How did it happen?
It was late at night in Paris in the George V hotel after a performance. Their manager Brian Epstein came in with a cable saying “I want to hold your hand” was number one on the American charts.  I had seen them have a pillow fight before and suggested it. John said no so that was that. But then he sneaked up behind Paul and hit him on the head with a pillow and they were off.

What led you to settle down in the city of New York?
I loved seeing American movies as a child and also wanted to work for Life magazine which was the ultimate magazine for photographers at the time. And I did work for Life from 1967 until it closed.

The quality of the printing is so exceptional. Epson has never let me down.

You have photographed every single US president since Eisenhower. Who has left the biggest impression on you? Why? 
President Nixon left the biggest impression on me. I photographed him the most and there was always something interesting going on about foreign policy.

You captured Elizabeth Taylor in the hospital suite right after her brain surgery. How difficult was this shoot on an emotional level?
Elizabeth Taylor is a survivor and she has been in and out of hospitals all her life. She was happy to be out of surgery and laughed when I told her she looked like Sinead o’Connor, the singer.

What, according to you, is the most essential quality a photojournalist should possess? 
Stamina, energy, and curiosity are must haves for a photojournalist.

How crucial is it for a photojournalist to be at the right place at the right time?
Being at the right place at the right time is everything.

You have witnessed and captured some of the biggest events that have changed the world including Bobby Kennedy’s assassination and the fall of the Berlin Wall. How did these events affect you on a personal level?
I knew I was recording history and that was the most important thing at the moment.

How did it feel to be honoured as an Icon of Photography by Kingston?
It was great. They have great products.

You have 14 books published and New Yorkers is on its way. Which of these is your personal favourite and why?
That’s a hard question! It is like asking someone which is your favourite child.  I like them all.

You have mentioned that you only use Epson products. What do you like the most about the brand?
The quality of the printing is so exceptional. Epson has never let me down.

	Quick7: Your Favourite Printer: Epson 9880 Your Favourite Shoot: The next one coming up. Your Preferred Location: Anywhere but a studio because studio photos become too static and can be repeated in an hour, a day or a year. That is not a great photograph in my opinion. Photography is a glimpse and it is gone forever. Favourite Photographer: My wife, Gigi. Most memorable story: Photographing the birth of my daughter. Current photographers you like: There are many new photographers who are good and they are getting better because they have digital cameras and have Epson printers at their disposal to give extraordinary prints, something that did not exist when I started out. Toughest day at work: My toughest days when I went undercover with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and when I travelled to the Pakistan/Afghan border to photograph Russian prisoners of war that were being held by the Afghans. It is strange because you come out of these situations much stronger emotionally than when you went in. I can’t explain how but it happens.

Photos by Harry Benson | Fotosocial

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