Niagara Gazette photographer Dan Cappellazzo has seen his fair share of history.
He raced to New York City on Sept. 11, 2001 to record what had happened there. His photos of massive abortion protests in Western New York in the 1992 Spring of Life were published in more than 200 publications worldwide, while his picture of Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith’s sack of New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler in Super Bowl 25 hangs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
For 16 years he has brought memorable images to Gazette readers and now one of those is memorializing pop music icon Michael Jackson.
The current issue of People Magazine, a special memorial edition highlighting Jackson’s life, features a cover photo snapped by Cappellazzo at yet another Bills’ Super Bowl appearance. Jackson was the featured half-time performer at Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena.
“It was before I came to the Gazette,” Cappellazzo said. “I was working for the Batavia News and also selling my stuff to the Polaris Agency.”
Half-time is normally when photographers covering a football game take a break. Afterall, Cappellazzo said, their job is to cover the game and not worry about what else might be taking place.
In addition, Jackson’s publicist had warned the photogs there was to be no picture taking during the pop king’s performance.
“Telling a (news) photographer not to shoot something is an exercise in futility,” Cappellazzo laughed.
So as Jacko hit the stage, “Cappy” picked up his camera and began snapping. The performance featured several costume changes by Jackson, as well as a massive light show and some pyrotechnics.
Standing between 70 and 80 feet from the stage, that presented some challenges for the photojournalists.
“The challenge was to just get him in focus,” Cappellazzo said. “There were these huge fans and smoke machines and they were blowing the smoke over him right into our face. That was way before auto-focus, so you had to use a telephoto lens and manually focus it.”
The picture Cappellazzo captured is a singular vision of Jackson at the height of his musical success. Bathed in light and smoke, Jackson stands on the stage in his then trademark short black pants, white socks, white T-shirt and unbuttoned white dress short, open and blowing backward.
His arms are outstretched and his mouth is wide open, a song apparently bursting out.
“(As a photojournalist) you are documenting life,” Cappellazzo said.
As for seeing his work on every magazine stand, beginning Friday, and splashed across the world on the Internet, Cappellazzo admits that’s fun.
“It’s exciting, my family and friends are proud,” he said. “My mom is proud. She’s bought three copies (of the magazine).”
Even his 11-year-old daughter, Madeline, has taken notice of her dad’s work.
“She’s proud of her dad, she’s excited,” Cappellazzo said. “She looked at it and then it was out to the backyard to toss a football around.”
Contact reporter Rick Pfeiffer
at 282-2311, ext. 2252.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Dan Cappellazzo
GAZETTE: Photographer's work makes cover of People
- Local News
-
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. -
Tough time for NIMAC to ask for city funds
City officials say they are committed to helping continue military operations at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Just how much money the city of Niagara Falls will be able to pledge remains a question. -
Library board appointment vote put on hold
A request from Mayor Paul Dyster’s administration to appoint former city council candidate Alicia Laible to the library board did not come up for a vote as expected during Monday’s council meeting.
-
Landlord registration law comes under fire in the Falls
Community leaders are looking for a change in a landlord registration law they helpd create two years ago.
-
Forster officially seeking Dem chairmanship
Former Niagara County Party Chairman Nicholas Forster made it official on Monday.
-
Hayes sentence delayed in homicide case
Wilbert Hayes III was behind bars on Monday but not to begin serving his sentence for the slaying of Donald Tyree Nix.
-
NT coach fired for relations with student
A 25-year-old substitute teacher and coach has been fired by the North Tonawanda School District after an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
-
Senate passes school bus legislation
The state Senate passed a series of school bus bills on Monday that leaders say will increase safety and communication.
-
In Lockport, Man faces extradition in Vegas fraud
A former Las Vegas resident picked up at the U.S.-Canadian border on Nevada securities fraud charges was ordered held for extradition from New York on Monday, after a judge rejected his claim of diplomatic immunity.
-
Falls woman brings low-cost spay and neutering program to area
Celia Trapasso noticed a disturbing trend in Niagara Falls.
The pet owner and animal lover saw far too many animals — particularly cats — running the streets in the city. - More Local News Headlines
-
Court: CA Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Komen Official Out After Planned Parenthood Row
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
