Discovering the Legacy of David Gahr: A Unique Film Scanning Project

The Excitement of Unique Projects

One of the most exciting parts of running Light & Lens Studios is working on unique and meaningful projects. Recently, I had the opportunity to scan a collection of never-before-seen film negatives and slides taken by the legendary music photographer, David Gahr.

Who Was David Gahr?

For anyone unfamiliar, Gahr was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. He was known for capturing the heart and soul of American music. His portraits graced album covers, magazines, and galleries. He featured icons like Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Pete Seeger, among many others.

A Remarkable Collection

This particular collection was purchased by Connor Blick (@blicconn) in an eBay auction. It includes an incredible lineup of artists spanning several decades of music history:

• Phish (1996)

• Muddy Waters with Johnny Winter (1976)

• Al Kooper with band (1969)

• Levon Helm from The Band (1969)

• Frank Zappa (1967)

• Albert Grossman, manager of musicians such as Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan (1969)

• The Band (1969)

  
  

Not pictured in this set, but also part of the archive, are Dr. John (1979), Jack Bruce (1982), and Shawn Phillips (1974).

Reviving Lost Moments in Music History

Many of these photos have never been digitized or publicly seen before. This scanning project helped bring previously lost moments in music history back to life. Each frame tells a story and shows the authenticity of artists who shaped entire generations.

The Art of Preservation

At Light & Lens Studios, I specialize in film scanning, photo restoration, and archival digitization. I cater to photographers, collectors, and families looking to preserve their photographic history. Whether it’s a roll of film from your family archives or a box of vintage slides filled with musical legends, I take pride in giving each image the care and attention it deserves.

Your Stories Matter

If you have old negatives, slides, or film you’d like to preserve, reach out to Light & Lens Studios. I’d love to help you bring your stories back to life.

This project not only highlights the importance of preserving history but also emphasizes the role of photography in capturing moments that define our culture. The legacy of artists like David Gahr lives on through these images, reminding us of the power of music and the stories behind it.

—Jess Keller (she/her)

Owner of Light & Lens Studios