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Veteran Photographer Claims Meghan Markle Initially Sought Control Over Paparazzi Photos
Duchess Meghan initially desired complete command over paparazzi photographs of herself and Prince Harry, her spouse, disseminated to news outlets after their relocation across the Atlantic to the United States, according to assertions from a seasoned photographer. This revelation comes amidst ongoing discussions about the couple’s relationship with the media and public perception following their move.
Early Paparazzi Frenzy in Los Angeles
Mark Karloff, a California-based paparazzo with 17 years of experience, stated that although public fascination with the pair reached unprecedented levels in 2020, the present need for pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has diminished significantly. His insights shed light on the fluctuating media landscape surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Karloff recounted, “Upon Harry and Meghan’s initial arrival, there was an intense rush to ascertain their whereabouts and residence. Every photographer in Los Angeles was vying to uncover every detail.” This initial period was characterized by aggressive attempts by paparazzi to capture the first images of the Sussexes in their new environment.
“Mock Photo Ops” and Setups Alleged
He added, “Concurrently, they appeared to stage contrived photo opportunities and orchestrated setups, often emerging to engage in charitable activities. This led to frustration amongst many photographers, who suspected these were controlled by their own team.” This suggests a calculated approach by the Sussexes to manage their public image during their early days in the US.
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Karloff, host of the “Paparazzi Podcast,” noted that the period immediately following the Sussexes’ move from overseas and establishment in the United States was marked by relentless pursuit from photographers keen to document their new life in California.
“I photographed them at a few engagements soon after their arrival. However, I decided the intense nature of that kind of photography was excessive for me. I refrain from non-exclusive photos as they are less financially rewarding,” the experienced photographer disclosed to Techreport.
Decline in Public and Media Interest
However, Karloff observed a substantial decline in public interest towards the couple in recent years, leading to a diminished need for their photographs. This shift in public and media attention marks a significant change from the initial frenzy surrounding their arrival.
“Within the United States, and in my personal experience, interest has waned considerably. Presently, pursuing them is not worth the effort as the financial return is not as significant. Public attention has noticeably decreased,” the paparazzo commented.
Sussexes’ Desire for Control Over Images
“Ultimately, complete evasion is unsustainable. Opportunities to photograph them still arise, but I believe they, particularly Meghan, desire control over image distribution,” he suggested. This echoes the initial claims about Meghan Markle’s desire for image control.
He further stated, “Currently, photographers tend to await opportune moments to capture them, rather than actively pursuing them.” This indicates a more passive approach from paparazzi, reflecting the reduced demand.
Furthermore, an unnamed source informed The Post that the couple, who married in 2018, participated in arranged photo opportunities in Los Angeles and the surrounding vicinity, commonly with their personal photographer present.
Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted by The Post for their perspectives.
Price Tag on First Photos and Initial Frenzy
Karloff, aged 48, previously disclosed that the debut distinct photograph of the Sussexes at their luxurious Montecito, California, residence was anticipated to command a price of $100,000. This high valuation underscores the intense initial media interest.
He elaborated that following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and as the public acclimatized to the couple’s relocation to California, a renewed “frenzy to photograph them” was anticipated.
“They will likely face relentless attention daily, at least for the initial months,” he predicted in 2020. “They will be unable to venture out without being photographed.”
Manhattan Paparazzi Car Chase Incident
The couple gained notoriety after being involved in a reported “near catastrophic” car pursuit by paparazzi through Manhattan in May 2023. This incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and paparazzi.
This incident placed them at the core of a high-speed chase after their departure from the Ziegfeld Theatre in Midtown, accompanied by Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, following a public appearance.
However, law enforcement sources subsequently characterized the event as less severe, indicating that the pursuit lasted approximately one hour, during which the family transitioned to a yellow taxi in an attempt to evade the paparazzi.
The Sussexes ultimately did not pursue legal action regarding the incident, but the New York Police Department (NYPD) declared in 2023 that the couple would receive enhanced security measures during forthcoming visits to New York City.
Notably, just last week, Markle arrived at the Majestic Theatre in Times Square for a Broadway performance of “Gypsy” in a four-vehicle convoy, escorted by an unmarked NYPD vehicle.