Stephen Goldblatt was born on April 29, 1945 in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved with his family to London when he was seven years old. By the time he was twenty, Goldblatt was already working as a professional photographer for the Times Newspaper Group, capturing memorable images that appeared on the covers and pages of many British and European newspapers and magazines.
Goldblatt's photographs ranged from the somber portrayal of Churchill's funeral and lively vignettes of London life to unforgettable centerfolds on various rock stars, including The Beatles and The Who. Goldblatt attended Guildford School of Art and the Royal College of Art Film School.
During the Summer of 1968, in the midst of recording The Beatles (White Album), the Beatles hired two photographers to take some new publicity shots. One was renowned war photographer Don McCullin of whom Paul was a fan, the other was Goldblatt, a relative unknown at the time, but who had been introduced to Beatles Press Officer, Derek Taylor, through a mutual friend.
This now legendary session became known as the “Mad Day Out” since the Beatles appeared very lighthearted and playful, and were willing to spend an entire weekend goofing and posing all over London. The session produced some of the most delightful images of them ever captured, all the more poignant considering the busy and tumultuous time.
Many of the photographs Goldblatt shot that day were used in album cover artwork and promotional materials by Apple Corps LTD, and have been published in Life, Rolling Stone, and in several books on the Beatles.
Goldblatt's early film work is represented almost exclusively by Granada's television series, Disappearing World. From 1975 onwards, he sold all his equipment and focused his career on cinematography working eventually on notable films like The Hunger, Cotton Club, the first two Lethal Weapon movies, and Prince of Tides among many others.
It is, however, Goldblatt's work with Mike Nichols on Angels in America, Closer and Charlie Wilson's War that clearly demonstrates his closest artistic collaboration to date. Most recently Goldblatt was the Director of Photography on Julie and Julia starring Meryl Streep and directed by Nora Ephron, and in 2011 The Help starring Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer directed by Tate Taylor.
In the late 1990's, during a "film sabbatical" and after many years of only taking snapshots, Goldblatt built a darkroom and began to photograph his life and surroundings again. He now lives in Berkeley, California and has three grown children. When he is at home, Goldblatt enjoys tending to his pond and koi fish, gardening, playing his guitar, cooking, reading everyday, and mastering the art of husbanding with his wife Deborah.