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Iconic photograph or lucky snap?

April 9, 2010

A photographer, who took one of the most iconic tennis photographs of all time, has died of cancer last week at the age of 63. Martin Elliott took the photograph of his then girlfriend Fiona Butler on a Birmingham University tennis court in 1976. As she walked towards the net, she raised her tennis dress at the back to adjust her very brief underwear just as the lucky shot was taken. The picture was made into a poster for Athena and achieved huge success – the rest for the photographer is history. Ironically, Fiona couldn’t even play tennis very well.

Although the photographer did very well from the photograph, he felt that it ruined his career for a time where many companies after its success felt that Elliott would be too expensive to hire. Although technically a good picture, Athena initially turned it down, so he eventually took it to a picture library who eventually sold it on to Athena. However Elliott kept the rights and was able to demand 10% royalties from the picture.

The image has endured over the years to become one of the most famous pictures in the world. Limited edition canvas prints worth £300, measuring 60-80cms and signed and numbered by the Elliott are still around. With his death being announced, it will be interesting to see how these signed copies by this famous lifestyle photographer appreciate in value.

To generate your own iconic photograph, find a creative photographer in Leeds and Yorkshire who combines accurate representation with creative flair to capture a unique and lasting image.