Throwback: Backstage with Destiny's Child in the Summer of 2001
Photographer Gillian Laub revisits some outtakes from an emotional day with Beyoncé, Michelle, Kelly, and the Knowles family.
In the summer of 2001, I was commissioned by The New York Times Magazine to photograph Destiny’s Child for a special women’s issue. The theme was women photographing women. It was one of my earliest commissions, and I was over the moon when I got the call. I spent the day backstage as they prepared for that evening’s concert in Albany, New York. I loved what a family affair this was. Beyoncé Knowles was surrounded by her parents, sister, and her cousins. It felt like Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Beyoncé were sisters, too. Before the trio went onstage, they said a prayer that felt so earnest and pure, it almost felt intrusive to photograph. But now, I’m so glad I did.
In the summer of 2001, I was commissioned by The New York Times Magazine to photograph Destiny’s Child for a special women’s issue. The theme was women photographing women. It was one of my earliest commissions, and I was over the moon when I got the call. I spent the day backstage as they prepared for that evening’s concert in Albany, New York. I loved what a family affair this was. Beyoncé Knowles was surrounded by her parents, sister, and her cousins. It felt like Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Beyoncé were sisters, too. Before the trio went onstage, they said a prayer that felt so earnest and pure, it almost felt intrusive to photograph. But now, I’m so glad I did.
