Behind the Lens: How a Spontaneous Gesture Became Cher’s Album Cover

In the world of photography, sometimes the most iconic images arise from the most unexpected moments. This was certainly the case for photographer Hom during his shoot with the legendary Cher. What began as a routine session quickly transformed into a moment of creative brilliance, resulting in an image that would become the cover of Cher’s 1996 single “Paradise Is Here.”

Hom recalls the shoot with fondness, describing the spontaneity that led to the perfect shot. “I was just there, shooting her, and then suddenly her tongue came out, and I was like, ‘Freeze — that’s the picture that I want,’” he explains. The unscripted gesture captured Cher’s playful and rebellious spirit, a trait that has endeared her to fans for decades.

The resulting image was more than just a photograph; it was a powerful expression of Cher’s persona. The Grammy winner was evidently thrilled with the final result, choosing to immortalize the moment as the album art for her single.

Hom reflects on the experience with a sense of pride and satisfaction. “That’s another wonderful thing, when you do an editorial together and the subject loves the pictures that you do,” he notes. “They’ll use it for other places.” This sentiment speaks to the collaborative nature of photography, where the synergy between the subject and the photographer can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Cher’s decision to use the spontaneous image as her album cover is a testament to the impact of capturing genuine moments. It underscores the idea that sometimes, the best creative work happens when least expected, a principle that Hom’s experience vividly illustrates. In the end, it was a fleeting, unplanned gesture that turned a standard photo shoot into a memorable piece of music history.