Photographer Greg Brennan recently opened up about the story behind his famous 2007 photograph of supermodel Kate Moss, captured during what many considered her ‘party era.’ The image, which shows Moss in a fur coat at the bottom of a fire exit, cigarette in hand, became emblematic of her nightlife reputation. However, Brennan insists that the photo is often misunderstood.

The Real Story Behind the Image

Contrary to popular belief, Brennan asserts that Moss was sober when the photo was taken. He recalls the night vividly, explaining that he was at the back door of a London theater on Moss’s 33rd birthday, thanks to a combination of experience and luck. Brennan had been assigned to photograph Moss’s birthday party, which was a significant media event at the time.

After learning that Moss and her then-partner, Pete Doherty, were at a different location, Brennan made his way to the theater. There, he found Moss sitting on the stairs, smoking. He quickly captured a series of images before the couple made their exit, using a decoy car to avoid the press at the front entrance.

Misinterpretations and Media Narratives

The photograph quickly spread across British tabloids, often accompanied by exaggerated stories of Moss’s night out. Brennan notes that the media narrative painted Moss as a figure of excess, especially following a 2005 drug scandal that had impacted her career. Despite this, Brennan describes Moss as one of his favorite models, always looking her best.

Brennan’s new book, “The Big Shot,” aims to set the record straight about the photo and shares insights from his career. He acknowledges that photographers don’t control which images capture public attention, but he feels fortunate to have an image that stands out in his portfolio.

“The Big Shot: Photographs by Greg Brennan” is now available, offering readers a deeper look into the stories behind some of his most iconic images.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.