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Meet Karen Mason-Blair, photographer of Seattle's grunge glory days

demetriosdemetrios Canada Posts: 88,529
in The Porch



Seattle-based photographer Karen Mason-Blair is considered a legend in the world of grunge. She is known for taking some of the most iconic photos of Seattle's music scene during the late 80s through the 90s, including artists such as Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses. Her work has also been featured in various publications such as Entertainment Weekly and People Magazine.

Mason-Blair's first-hand experience inside the grunge movement gives fans a unique look into Seattle's beloved music icons and offers an authentic account of interactions with musicians that helped put the PNW on the map.


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    demetriosdemetrios Canada Posts: 88,529
    Mason-Blair even had the opportunity to photograph Radiohead's second-ever photo session. You can view a photo from that session at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For Pearl Jam's very first concert at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle on Oct. 22, 1990, Mason-Blair took photos of the band, which are the only known photos for that particular show.

    In 2022, Mason-Blair was notably featured on the popular hit show "Pawn Stars," where she displayed some of her Seattle Grunge memorabilia. Gibson Guitar also made a documentary, titled "Through The Lens: Karen Mason Blair (Featuring Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice In Chains & More)" which can be found on YouTube.


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    demetriosdemetrios Canada Posts: 88,529


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    SpunkieSpunkie I come from downtown. Posts: 5,910
    edited January 22
    demetrios said:
    Mason-Blair even had the opportunity to photograph Radiohead's second-ever photo session. You can view a photo from that session at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For Pearl Jam's very first concert at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle on Oct. 22, 1990, Mason-Blair took photos of the band, which are the only known photos for that particular show.

    In 2022, Mason-Blair was notably featured on the popular hit show "Pawn Stars," where she displayed some of her Seattle Grunge memorabilia. Gibson Guitar also made a documentary, titled "Through The Lens: Karen Mason Blair (Featuring Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice In Chains & More)" which can be found on YouTube.


    I really enjoyed Karen talking about her captures and marrying music with photography in her "through the lens" video. Thank you for posting again, D!
    Neat how she was the only photogtapher to get one roll of film of PJ's first show! Good thing Ament called her up. I also appreciated her comments of how Kurt Cobain supported feminism and females.
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    demetriosdemetrios Canada Posts: 88,529
    Spunkie said:
    demetrios said:
    Mason-Blair even had the opportunity to photograph Radiohead's second-ever photo session. You can view a photo from that session at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For Pearl Jam's very first concert at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle on Oct. 22, 1990, Mason-Blair took photos of the band, which are the only known photos for that particular show.

    In 2022, Mason-Blair was notably featured on the popular hit show "Pawn Stars," where she displayed some of her Seattle Grunge memorabilia. Gibson Guitar also made a documentary, titled "Through The Lens: Karen Mason Blair (Featuring Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice In Chains & More)" which can be found on YouTube.


    I really enjoyed Karen talking about her captures and marrying music with photography in her "through the lens" video. Thank you for posting again, D!
    Neat how she was the only photogtapher to get one roll of film of PJ's first show! Good thing Ament called her up. I also appreciated her comments of how Kurt Cobain supported feminism and females.

    No problemo! She is great. 
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    demetriosdemetrios Canada Posts: 88,529
    https://grungemart.karenmasonblair.com/collections/pearl-jam/seattle

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    demetriosdemetrios Canada Posts: 88,529
    On sale 

    The Flannel Years Book - previously unreleased grunge photos - signed by author


    https://grungemart.karenmasonblair.com/products/the-flannel-years-book




    The Flannel Years a photographic tour by Karen Mason Blair Foreword by Krist Novoselic

    This book is your backstage pass to the early 90s Seattle music scene and is filled w/Grunge photos- Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and more!

    Karen was a fan girl with a camera in the early 90s in Seattle during the grunge movement.  They were all her friends and this is her heartfelt book showcasing photos from her personal collection and stories you have never heard. Karen allows you to experience what she saw through her lens, whether you were there or wished you were!

    The book has over 150 photos, and includes some previously unreleased photos. It is 8 1/2 x 11 and is 144 pages. Self Published 2019 Signed + free  US shipping




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