The camera has always loved Rod Stewart. It’s a fact. Whether he’s kicking a soccer ball into a muddy crowd at a stadium or posing in spandex that’s probably a health hazard, the man knows how to frame a moment. You’ve seen the shots. That rooster-shag haircut, the leopard print, the mischievous grin that says he definitely knows something you don't.
Rod isn't just a singer; he’s a visual era.
When people go looking for pictures of Rod Stewart, they aren't usually just looking for a face. They’re looking for a vibe that basically defined rock-and-roll decadence from 1970 onwards. Honestly, if you look at his evolution through the lens of photographers like Michael Putland or Dick Barnatt, you’re seeing the blueprint for the modern "rock star" aesthetic. It’s loud. It’s unapologetic. It’s a bit messy.
The Early Faces: Where the Magic Started
Before he was a solo juggernaut, Rod was the focal point of The Faces. If you find a black-and-white print of him from 1971, he’s usually flanked by Ronnie Wood. They look like they haven’t slept in three days, and yet, they look cooler than anyone you know.
There’s this famous 1971 shot in Central Park by an uncredited (at the time) photographer where Rod is just leaning against a tree. He’s wearing this velvet jacket that looks like it weighs twenty pounds. You can practically hear "Maggie May" playing in the background. It was during this "Rod the Mod" transition that the visuals shifted from the bluesy, grit-heavy Jeff Beck Group era into something more flamboyant.
He didn’t just wear clothes; he wore costumes that felt like everyday wear. Tartan wasn't just a pattern for him—it was an identity.
- The Rooster Cut: That hair is the star of every photo. It hasn't changed much in fifty years, and honestly, why would it?
- The Soccer Ball: Look for the 1973 shots at Vicarage Road. He’s a massive Celtic fan, and seeing him in full kit or just juggling a ball in leather pants is peak Rod.
- The "Every Picture Tells a Story" Cover: This 1971 masterpiece by Philip Thomas is cinematic. It’s moody. It captured the exact moment he became a superstar.
The Glam Era: Pictures of Rod Stewart in the 70s and 80s
By the time Atlantic Crossing dropped in 1975, the visuals went from "pub rock" to "global icon." This is the era of the tight blue satin pants and the blue eyeshadow. Looking at photos from his 1978 tour, you see a man who fully embraced the disco-glam crossover.
There’s a hilarious but iconic photo of Rod and Elton John having a bath together, captured by Mirrorpix. It’s ridiculous. It’s camp. It perfectly illustrates how the rock stars of that decade didn't take themselves nearly as seriously as people think.
✨ Don't miss: Why John F Kennedy Pictures Photos Still Fascinate Us Decades Later
Transitioning to the "Great American Songbook" Look
Fast forward a bit. The spandex gets traded for bespoke Italian suits.
When you look at pictures of Rod Stewart from the early 2000s, like the ones taken by John Swannell for the Great American Songbook albums, the energy changes. He’s still got the hair, sure. But now he’s sitting in a mahogany-filled room, looking like a billionaire who just happens to be able to sing the hell out of a Gershwin tune.
Swannell once mentioned in an interview that Rod's house is filled with Pre-Raphaelite paintings. That sense of classic art actually bleeds into his later photography. It’s more composed. The lighting is softer. He went from the guy you’d want to grab a pint with to the guy you’d want to invite to a gala.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With His Style
Kinda makes you wonder why these images still circulate so heavily.
It’s because Rod Stewart represents a type of masculinity that was soft around the edges but tough at the core. He wore lace. He wore pink. He wore floral patterns that would make a grandmother jealous. And he did it while being one of the most successful "bloke’s blokes" in music history.
Photographers like Brian Aris and Terry O’Neill caught this balance. They saw that Rod was a chameleon. One minute he’s in a limo with Britt Ekland looking like a Hollywood lead, and the next he’s busking at Piccadilly Circus (like he did in 2017 for charity) looking like he never left the street.
What People Get Wrong About His "Look"
A lot of folks think the "look" was purely manufactured by labels.
That’s wrong. Rod has gone on record saying he’s loved clothes since he had "no money." He used to spend his last few pounds on a specific shirt he saw in a shop window in London. The photos aren't just PR; they’re a guy who genuinely enjoys the theater of getting dressed up.
If you’re looking to collect or just browse the best of his visual history, keep an eye out for these specific moments:
- 1964 at the Richmond Jazz Festival: A baby-faced Rod before the fame hit.
- The 1977 "Sailing" Era: Specifically the shots with Britt Ekland. They were the "it" couple, and the photography reflects that high-society rock lifestyle.
- The 1994 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction: He looks like a king returning to his throne.
Finding the Best Rare Shots Today
If you’re hunting for high-quality prints or just want to deep-dive into the archives, Getty Images and Alamy have the most extensive collections. But for the real "soul" of the man, look for the work of Chris Walter. Walter captured the raw energy of the Faces years in a way that feels like you’re actually in the front row of a smoky London club.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Jesse Kelly? What Most People Get Wrong
The coolest thing about pictures of Rod Stewart is that they don't feel dated. Even the 80s stuff, with the big jackets and the bright colors, feels like it has a place in fashion today.
Basically, the man is a timeless visual asset.
Next Steps for the Rod Enthusiast
Start by looking for the 1971 Central Park series; it's the gold standard for his early solo career. If you’re a collector, check out Sonic Editions or Iconic Images for limited-run prints signed by the photographers. These aren't just photos—they're pieces of music history that capture a guy who refused to be boring for even a single second.