Select Page

Welcome to Punk Pioneers, Photos and Stories from Jenny Lens, MFA.
MOST published early west coast photographer, first gen, 1976-80.

So You Wanna “Take Photos. Get Famous.“
SO many people ask me SO many questions through the years. NOW affordable workshops!
Save tons of time and $$$. Learn my secrets! “Watch. Shoot. Shine.”
LIMITED TIME INTRO OFFER!
Check it out: “Take Photos. Get Famous.“

I sell Limited Edition, Signed or Open Edition / UnSigned Prints on Demand.
Go to Photo Store (Second link in nav menu above) for Selection and Pricing. BEFORE writing me.
Thank you for your interest and support. I appreciate those who buy prints.

Joan Jett and Lita Ford, Dueling Guitars, Whisky, August 27, 1977

VIDEOS: First two posted here. Other four lead to their own posts. Or go to Videos

Talking about my photos at Shepard Fairey’s Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die, Subliminal Projects. I was ONLY woman and earliest punk photographer in the exhibit. 2/25-3/26/2010. 2:46.

See tons of pix and hear untold stories about the birth of LA punk, interacting with New York and British bands, parties and good times. Lots here, so sit back and enjoy!! LA Library, January 10, 2015. 1 hr, 47 minutes of cool pix and stories.

The Week That Changed Punk Forever

Devo’s Early LA Days and Nights

Germs bassist Lorna Doom left us, January 16, 2019, (I was told due to cancer).  MY PHOTOS OF LORNA were the MOST seen online. NO credit in 99.9% of posted images. Certainly no payment. To see larger images and purchase, go to Photostore.PunkPioneers.com.

I compiled some of my many Germs photos into small vids awhile ago. Everyone loved her. Lorna aka Terry aka Teresa Ryan was sweet, quiet, easy going, beautiful. Lorna was X’s “White Girl.” She was an essential participant in the very earliest days and nights of punk. I met and photographed her in early 1977. I last saw her was when that Germs film was released.

Lorna Doom, Germs, Darby Crash, Belinda Carlisle, Jenny Lens

Lorna Doom, Germs, Darby Crash, Belinda Carlisle

Germs Story

Germs Short Story

Testimonials from now infamous punks. My pals and fellow collaborators and contributors in early days and nights of REAL PUNK.

"I considered Jenny Lens as important as any band. We never thanked her back then. Thank you, Jenny" ~ John Denney, Weirdos lead singer and songwriter.
John Denney
"I wish you luck on everything you do and on that website. You were one of the major players from those years. Would be a tragedy if your photos weren't given the platform they deserve. I will hold only good thoughts and wishes for that." ~ Belinda
Belinda Carlisle / Go-Go's
"Jenny Lens knows the stories behind her photos. She's the genius behind so many classic photos. Jenny's a great photojournalistic historian of the period. Her photos made me the punk legend I am!" ~ Hellin Killer aka Helena Alicia Roessler
Hellin Killer
"Jenny Lens is the legendary punk photographer who shot some of the most iconic images of Patti Smith, The Ramones, The Screamers and so many others. She is one of the unsung heroines of the movement. Enjoy!" ~Alice Bag, legendary punk singer and Latina icon. Read Jenny's interview in About section.
Alice Bag
Debbie Harry told me she was so proud of me when my photos appeared in New York Rocker. Whisky backstage, April 14, 1977.
Debbie Harry
Patti Smith called me "The Girl with the Camera Eye." Shouted from LA's Roxy stage, pointing to me, Nov 15, 1976. Patti told me "She still dares other photographers to take better photos than I." The Roxy, August 2002.
Patti Smith
“Jenny, you are the only photographer who takes photos while high on acid which are better than more well known photographers.” ~ Exene
Exene

WEARABLE ART! FUNd Raiser Early LA Punk Icons. A few styles and images below. People LOVE ’em. Great Facebook feedback. Great Photos. What’s not to love? Here’s 4 of 9 Styles. See MORE: merch.punkpioneers.com.

JENNY LENS Collection at Rock Roll Repeat. 
Great designs using MY photos and Josh Shame’s great designs.

2- Ladies Fave Cotton Tshirt (Bella + Canvas 6004), S-2XL

2- Ladies Fave Cotton Tshirt (Bella + Canvas 6004), S-2XL

Alice Bag, Masque Benefit, Feb 24, 1978. In the Smithsonian!

4-Unisex Cotton Tshirt Different Images Front and Back (Gildan 2000) S-5XL

4-Unisex Cotton Tshirt Different Images Front and Back (Gildan 2000) S-5XL

Exene, X, Decline Filming, March 1980, Iconic image!

6- Youth Tshirt (Anvil 990B), YXS-YXL

6- Youth Tshirt (Anvil 990B), YXS-YXL

Screamers Trio, April 9, 1977 plus Screamers Debut show, May 28, 1977.

8- Onesie Infant Bodysuit (Rabbit Skins 4400)

8- Onesie Infant Bodysuit (Rabbit Skins 4400)

Darby Crash, Germs, Masque, Nov 23, 1977.

Wanna learn secrets from a pro? Learn Tech from an Artist’s POV? WATCH THE VID. 
Click on the Image below or click: DreamingBig.Academy!

Watch the vid. Click on each class at DreamingBig.Academy for more info. TONS of PHOTOS in classes. Food, fashion, jewelry, makeup, products, plus shooting at events, out walking, on my tabletop studio. Have fun and gain new skills, confidence and be inspired!

My photos have been seen all over the world in major projects like Joan Jett’s Rock Hall of Fame induction, New York’s Metropolitan Museum Punk Couture catalog, Experience Music Project, Grammy Museum, and more. Plus collected by top rock performers and people like YOU! Books, magazines, fanzines, documentaries, CD and DVD packages, record covers and more. Plus clothing and other products. Some licensed, some bootlegged by others.

See more photos Jenny Lens Photos for Purchase or Licensing. Please read Licensing info.

Have fun! Please SHARE! Thank You!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This