The iconic “Young Lion” photoshoot of Jim Morrison by photographer Joel Brodsky took place in September 1967, in New York City. The session produced some of the most recognizable and widely circulated images of the Doors frontman, solidifying his image as a rock icon.
According to Brodsky, Morrison was “pretty loose” and quite drunk during the session, stumbling over the studio lights at times. Despite this, the photographer noted that Morrison was wonderful to photograph because of his unique look, and he felt he captured him at his best.
The photoshoot occurred during a significant period for the band, shortly after the release of their debut album. The images helped shape Morrison’s public image as a charismatic and enigmatic “Lizard King.” For the shoot, Morrison wore a specific glass-beaded cobra necklace, made for him by photographer Henry Diltz at the request of 16 Magazine editor Gloria Stavers.
The photos were originally intended to be used for the promotion of Strange Days but have since become the most widely used and iconic images of Jim Morrison, appearing on numerous compilation albums, books, and merchandise.































