Photographer David Cannon has witnessed many of the best moments in championship golf over the past several decades, and his photos have earned their places on countless magazine covers and websites.
Many of his favorite memories came via Seve Ballesteros, the charismatic Spaniard who transformed the Ryder Cup and won five major championships before dying in 2011 at age 54 as a result of brain cancer. Cannon’s photos of Ballesteros ranged from candid behind-the-scenes shots to major moments to at-home feature shots (such as the one atop this story).
To commemorate Ballesteros’ life and his dramatic impacts on the game of golf, particularly in Europe, Cannon has compiled a photo-driven book titled, ‘Seve: His Life through the Lens,’ that was released in early May to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of Ballesteros’ death.
The cover of Seve: His Life Through The Lens
“This book would not have been possible without the support of many incredible people,” Cannon, who shoots for Getty Images, said in media release introducing the book. “Seve was a true global icon and I’ve seen him and photographed him in many parts of the world, but it’s the friends I’ve made along the way who have contributed images to this book I’ve never seen before and that is what makes it so special. I hope the Seve fans around the world enjoy the book as much as I did putting it together.”
The book features a thank-you letter by Ballesteros’ son, Javier, and each chapter starts with a story by writer Robert Green, who has penned two books about the Spaniard. There are also “Moment in Time” stories by Cannon, in which he reveals the back stories of select photos.
Also included are stories by Ballesteros’ contemporaries such as José Maria Olazábal and Nick Faldo.
David Cannon signs copies of Seve: His Life Through the Lens (Courtesy of David Cannon)
“I am looking at two special pictures and thinking about one very special friend,” Olazábal wrote. “I remember it clearly (Pedreña 1984) as it was the first time I ever met Seve. I was just 18 and so of course was in awe of ‘Seve the player’ – the four-time Major champion – but the strongest impression I gained from that day was of his presence and warmth as a person.”
Not all the photos presented are Cannon’s. He instead included shots from many photographers to best present the visual story. Ballesteros’ former caddie, Billy Foster, sees the book as a fitting tribute to “the last of the great shotmakers and the ultimate warrior, the pied piper who captivated crowds with his magical short game that was second to none.”
Seve: His Life Through the Lens includes never-seen-before photos of Seve Ballesteros. (Courtesy of David Cannon)
The book, supported by the R&A and the European Tour, was published by Vision Sports Publishing and is available for £35 (about $49) at www.sevethebook.com. There is also a special limited-edition boxed version for £95 that includes a numbered art print of the front cover image of Ballesteros winning the British Open at St Andrews, signed by Cannon.