That Click

That Click is a 2022 documentary film that provides an intimate and captivating look into the illustrious career of celebrated photographer Douglas Kirkland. Throughout his six-decade-long career, Kirkland has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion, photojournalism, and portraiture, capturing the essence of some of the most iconic figures of the past century. Born in 1945, Kirkland's journey into photography began at a young age. Inspired by the likes of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Richard Avedon, Kirkland honed his craft, driven by an insatiable passion for storytelling through images. As a young photographer, Kirkland would often find himself in the midst of pivotal moments in history, including the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, where his lens captured the essence of social change. The film, as told through the lens of Kirkland's remarkable career, delves into his remarkable achievements and the influential individuals he encountered throughout his journey. Kirkland's photographs have not only immortalized some of the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion but also captured the zeitgeist of an era. His subjects, a veritable who's who of the entertainment and fashion world, share stories and testimonials about Kirkland's work, providing a glimpse into the photographer's unique approach and the lasting impact of his images. One of the most striking aspects of Kirkland's career is his remarkable ability to form lasting connections with his subjects. Kirkland's photographs, though technically brilliant, never lose sight of the human element. His portraits, often characterized by a warm and introspective tone, reveal the complexities and vulnerabilities of the people he photographs, rendering his subjects in a remarkably nuanced light. This empathetic approach, combined with Kirkland's remarkable technical skill, has earned him the trust and admiration of his subjects. Throughout the film, Kirkland's subjects pay tribute to his unique approach and the lasting impression he leaves on those in front of his lens. Actress and model Twiggy, one of Kirkland's earliest subjects, praises the photographer for his ability to put his subjects at ease, saying, "Douglas Kirkland makes people comfortable, and that's a gift." Similarly, actress Sophia Loren credits Kirkland for capturing the essence of her personality, saying, "He saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself." Kirkland's remarkable career is also marked by his groundbreaking work in the realm of fashion. His photographs for legendary fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar have helped shape the aesthetic of modern fashion. As a pioneer of contemporary fashion photography, Kirkland's work has influenced generations of photographers, from Annie Leibovitz to Mario Testino. The documentary explores some of the most iconic fashion images of Kirkland's career, including his groundbreaking 1963 photo shoot with Marilyn Monroe, one of Monroe's last major modeling assignments before her untimely death. The film also touches on Kirkland's experience working as a photographer for some of the most influential music acts of the past century, including the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga. His photographs capture not only the raw energy but also the human connection between the performers and their audience. Kirkland's photographs of the Beatles, taken during their first trip to America in 1964, have become an iconic representation of the band's cultural impact on the young American audience. Throughout That Click, Kirkland's remarkable story is told through archival footage, photographs, and intimate interviews with the photographer himself, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most memorable images of the past century. As Kirkland recounts his experiences, the documentary captures not only his remarkable career but also the evolution of the world around him. As we navigate through the vast archives of Kirkland's photographs, it becomes clear that his legacy extends far beyond the photographs themselves. His influence on the world of fashion, photojournalism, and portraiture is profound and multifaceted, a testament to the power of his images to transcend time and capture the essence of an era. As a photographer, Kirkland has not only left an indelible mark on the world but has also given us a window into the human experience, one that continues to resonate with us today.