Norman Seeff's The Sessions

Norman Seeff's The Sessions is an enchanting and intimate series that outlines the creative process as explored by some of the world's most accomplished artists, musicians, and innovative thinkers. The series, released by the streaming service CuriosityStream in 2015–2016, documents the work of iconic photographer and filmmaker Norman Seeff as he captures the essence of genuine creativity and attempts to understand what drives the creative mind.

The premise of The Sessions revolves around Norman Seeff's renowned photographic sessions, in which he captures unforgettable images of some of the world's most influential characters. Seeff, who is regarded as a master of visual storytelling, does not merely snap pictures. He entices his subjects to engage in candid and unscripted dialogue about their lives, inspirations, challenges, and the creativity that drives them. His signature black-and-white portraits of cultural icons are as much a product of these intriguing dialogues as they are of his photography skills.

While it's called The Sessions, the series is not a treatise on photography. Instead, it delves into the psychological processes and motivations that inform artistic ingenuity. It's about artists discovering something about themselves and their work through the unique approach that Seeff takes to his photography. It's a voyage into the artistic mind, using the lens of a camera as a portal.

The series journeys beyond Norman Seeff's iconic images and delves into his method, which has often been described as a crucible of creativity. Episodes unfold organically as memorable, intimate conversations between Seeff and his subjects, who are comforted and encouraged by his genuine curiosity and passion for their creative processes. This interactive and personal approach effectively disarms his subjects, leading to authentically candid conversations about their personal and creative journey. As Seeff often says, the relationship between him and his subjects isn't a photographer-model one, but more of a creative partnership.

The series features a diverse collection of individuals ranging from world-renowned musicians like Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, and Michael Jackson, to acclaimed filmmakers and actors like Martin Scorsese and John Huston. In addition, there's a broad spectrum of artists and innovators whose ingenuity has shaped our world in profound ways. Each episode focuses on a different creative individual, allowing viewers an exclusive look at the rarely-seen dynamics behind the creative process and personal drive. Each session seeks to unveil the challenges, pressures, and inner motivations that the artists encounter, offering a raw and revealing look at the depths of creative expression.

Norman Seeff's The Sessions has a distinct allure due to its raw, candid nature. Norman's approach to his subjects focuses on the authenticity of emotional expression, leading to an intimate understanding of the artist's emotions and creative motivations. It's like a therapy session disguised as a photography session when Seeff is at his best. He manages to break down the wall that separates the public from the private and the viewer from the artist, fostering an almost voyeuristic, yet insightful experience.

The cinematography in the series is also noteworthy, as the cameras strive to stay as unobtrusive as possible to maintain the natural and intimate atmosphere of the conversations. This seamless blend of filmmaking and photographic techniques put forth innovative, visually stunning storytelling that makes the series stand out.

Overall, Norman Seeff's The Sessions on CuriosityStream is much more than a series of interviews or photography sessions – it's a compelling exploration of creativity, the human spirit, and the process of innovation. It delves deeply into the hearts and souls of some of the world's most influential artists, offering insights on the creative process that is both inspiring and enlightening. The result is a series of intimate conversations that feel more like sharing quiet moments with a group of friends than watching a documentary series – moments where truth is revealed, and creativity is sparked.