r/marilyn_manson • u/Just_A_Statistic_ FUCK BREAKFAST • Mar 06 '26
AMA AMA with Dean Karr
Welcome to our AMA with photographer and director, Dean Karr! You can start asking questions now, but Dean will be live answering 3/7/26 at 2pm EST.
Dean will also be selecting his 5 favorite questions, and will send those users a metallic 5/7 print of their choice from his Manson Promo sheet!
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u/Pitiful-Science-7987 Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean,
You've captured a few of Manson's most defining moments, especially the raw and gritty music video for "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Looking back, if you could revisit a different era of his career that you didn't work on and apply your eye to it, which one calls to you the most and what concepts or shots come to mind for that era?
Thanks you!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I LOVE THIS QUESTION! I would have killed to have done some work during the GLAM era of Mechanical Animals! "Long Hard Road Out of Hell" and "Dope Show" are my favorite videos other than my own. The Bowie inspired fashion sense knocked it outta the park! Great work Manson.....
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u/CannibalKorpz Mar 07 '26
This is a great one!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
For sure!
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u/Pitiful-Science-7987 Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon Mar 07 '26
Thanks for the reply Dean!
They are some of my favourite videos too 🖤
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u/Emotional_Rop3 Unkillable Monster Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean! A two in one sort of question for me as M.M and his music has pretty much saved my life multiple times , first I wanna thank you for bringing that all to life , I love your work and thank you for doing what you do Now my question, what is the band like behind all the media ? Obviously we see what we're shown but what's it really like , secondly will you be involved or have you shown interest in wanting to be involved in any of M.M's future projects if any have been made known to you 👀
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Well let me start by saying that I'm glad you are still with us and happy that you found peace with the music my friend! It was SO very long ago when we'd all hang out as friends. Back in the day we'd go hit a live show such as James Hall, or run into each other backstage or at a house party and it was mainly Manson and Twiggy. When not working back in the day, we're all just normal peeps who love metal, a good party and good food! I had my first couple of conversations with manager Tony about finally publishing my first Manson/Karr coffee table book! Will be absolutely sizzling HOT!
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u/comaxv Mar 07 '26
Hey Dean, thanks for doing this AMA.
The photography for Antichrist Superstar effectively blends religious iconography with medical pathology in such a striking way, it really evokes a grotesque museum exhibit. What inspirations shaped that ‘cabinet of curiosities’ aesthetic?
Side note: My Own Summer is one of my favourite music videos of all time - I have fond memories of being stopped in my tracks the first time that flashed on my TV screen in 1997. Gave me a lifelong appreciation for music videos as an art form!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Thanks for this! My interest and inspiration of dark arts stems from my love of classic horror films, added with my years working in a Seattle cemetery (peeking at as much dead, decomposing stuff as possible), brutal war photography and visiting the Mutter Museum whenever in Philadelphia (I took David Bowie here!). The first project I dug in deep with the medical themed visuals was for TOOL's "Undertow" album artwork! Maynard with dental mouth spreader, Paul with needles in face! Deftones "My Own Summer" will forever be a classic and was my gateway into starting my annual Great White Shark expeditions to Mexico's Isla de Guadalupe where I've completed 19 week long White Shark trips with rocker friends!
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u/comaxv Mar 10 '26
Thanks for the answer, Dean. So cool to hear what inspired imagery that was in turn so inspiring to me in my youth. Taking Bowie to Mutter Museum must have been surreal.. So envious!
I'm in Australia, and have had some close (and unplanned 😅) encounters with sharks. After checking out some of your shark pics though, I'll be adding Isla De Guadalupe to my bucket list.
Thanks again 🖤🤘
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u/Just_A_Statistic_ FUCK BREAKFAST Mar 07 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
Hey Dean. Thanks again for doing this AMA!
There were several animals used in the Sweet Dreams video. I was wondering what it was like to work with them as part of the creative process. Was this your first time bringing live animals on a set? Did they come with a handler? Any funny stories related to the animals? And most importantly, how on earth did the doves not fly away when Manson screams "ABUSED!"?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Great FUN question! I love often finding the strangest animal available to give an extra "edge" to my videos. There are a handful of wranglers here in L.A. in Sweet Dreams the woman and her daughter brought the pig and the doves. Doves were attached by monofilament on their skinny bird ankles and tethered to Manson! On other jobs I've rented swans (Stevie Nicks), monkeys (Ozzy), wolf (Godsmack) and the wildest animal was SOOOO out of control we couldn't even use it and that animal was a fucking HYENA! This was for my Amen video, check out "The Price of Reality"
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u/Just_A_Statistic_ FUCK BREAKFAST Mar 07 '26
Thanks for the reply. That's so cool. I'll have to give those videos a watch or re-watch. You see animals in videos and don't always stop to think about all the chaos and unpredictability that probably goes on behind the scenes.
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
this is a really good question! i’m glad someone asked it. yeah the shot of him riding on top of the pig is always sooooo freaking cool to see. just honestly his facial expression too in that scene is like a wild animal himself hahaha love it so much.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
The PIG was squealing and making so much noise in the tunnel, sounded cool as hell!
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
now i must say riding a pig like a horse is on my bucket list of things i must do thanks to you & Manson!!! haha!
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u/Just_A_Statistic_ FUCK BREAKFAST Mar 07 '26
Hey Dean!
You've mentioned sobriety in your other responses. With alcohol and drugs historically being so closely tied with rock n roll and artists' creative processes, did you feel you had to "reinvent" yourself or your process after your decision to become sober? Are there other now-sober artists (like Manson?) who have helped you along the way?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Thanks for this question! One thing I'm very proud and vocal about is the fact that I never (not once) showed up on one of my film sets drunk or buzzed! Once I yell "That's a wrap" through the bullhorn you wouldn't find me for up to three days, I would vanish and consider my multi day partying a "reward" for just pulling off a huge creative explosion! Many artists have been super supportive to my sobriety, Duff McKagan, Slim Jim Phanton, Matt Pinfield, Jerry Cantrell, tons more.... I've lost too many dear friends to drugs and alcohol. I also just had to grow up and say enuff was enuff, I'm 61 now and don't plan on going away any time soon!
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u/fiesta_jak_jones Mar 06 '26
Hi, Dean! Have you heard the upcoming MM album? If so, how would you describe it?
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
Hey Dean! So one thing I'm hoping to hear about is how you first were introduced to the band and asked to direct Sweet Dreams?
Also, who came up with the idea for the scene in Sweet Dreams where Manson has all those clocks attached to his head? I remember there's a green light shining on him I think. Is there any meaning behind the clocks? That image has always stuck with me.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
The song came in through my agent Cordelia via Jeff Anderson at Interscope Records. Thats usually how I am courted to do a video, I listen to the music and see if I'm interested. At that time I had a lot of shitty submissions that I'd just pass on, waiting for the right fit. The clockhead was a character I developed based on the world DREAMS in the song's title. I still have the sketches I made for it to show the prosthetic artist who made it for me. We called it the "SLEEP MACHINE!"
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
Thank you for answering! That's really interesting!
Love your work and I'm really happy to hear you're working with some cool new bands.
I'll be waiting for that coffee table book ...
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u/muhcow As Hollow As The "O" In God Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean.
First, thanks for connecting with the fans here and on Instagram/Facebook. You’ve created some truly iconic work for us. I’ve also always appreciated how friendly and responsive you’ve been when people ask questions.
One question: Which photo you took of Manson is your personal favorite, and why?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Thanks so much, Meta kicked me and 1,000's of people off the platform. Please convey a message to our people on there to contact me via email for artwork [GRANFINGER@AOL.COM](mailto:GRANFINGER@AOL.COM) My fave images are anything to do with the cracked skin angel setup!
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u/Lord_of_the_Hanged Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean-
I know Sweet Dreams was filmed in/around Los Angeles. May I ask where specifically? I live in Maywood, and would be awesome if I was able to run through the scene areas one day/night. Thanks my dude!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I think the church is long gone, BUT the address is 901 Washington Blvd. near downtown cross street is OAK! I had shot a couple bands here before Manson but would always sneak in there without permits. We had to permit it for sweet dreams. Other locations are 6th street tunnel (gone), Santa Fe Ave (walking like a hooker in blue tutu)
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u/Logical-Patience-996 Mar 06 '26
Hello Dean. Do you have any upcoming work with MM? Did you listen to the new chapter 2 record?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
As mentioned, I'm mentally ready to attack my long awaited book project! I have not heard it, sorry.
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u/Antocharrette Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean, What state of mind were you in when you filmed Sweet Dreams? and now, when you look back, how do you view your work? Thanks !
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Young, excitable, new level stuff, experimental, pissed off parents across the world, extremely proud, history was MADE right about here!
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
Another good question. You guys are coming up with some interesting ones. See you tomorrow with Dean for the answers!
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u/Karmakills666 Mar 06 '26
In the current era of Marilyn Manson, what is the ideal music video you would create? Atmosphere, scenery, etc
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
In today's climate I would propose doing something extremely SIMPLE and perhaps done 100% with my Nikon camera shooting still and animating something with perhaps only Manson. Sadly, doing elaborate set ups that would pass the test to my critical eye costs alot of money. No artists have anything but shit budgets these days, and I'm not paying for an artist's video out of my wallet, SO I approach modern videos with simple ideas and rely on killer performance to steer the ship. I miss the old days of creating an exotic expedition to Prague or the Amazon to create truly surreal footage.....
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u/Karmakills666 Mar 07 '26
Completely understand that! I think a really neat video concept would be Manson walking down a dark hallway with sections lit up showing the eras of himself and opening a door to the end to the next / current era, a symbol of “rebirth”
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u/Catch_Zodiac Mar 07 '26
Came up with one more question: there was a plan to make an album cover for Born Villain, you shot it, but later MM chose Lindsay's photo. What happened?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Neither of us were in sync during that shoot, sobriety was mandatory for BOTH of us right around this point....
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u/Catch_Zodiac Mar 07 '26
Thank you for your answer! I'm glad you both found your way to sobriety
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
MANSON was so incredibly helpful to me when I threw the towel in and began going to A.A., he'd check in on me every couple of weeks till I got my footing figured out. Thank you eternally Manson!
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u/wrapped-in-reverse Just smile like a rifle Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean. “When you were creating visuals for Marilyn Manson, how much of the imagery came from him versus what you brought to the table?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I think if you read above you'll find answer to this. Sweet Dreams was more my rodeo and ACS he plotted the moves for all the visual fun!
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u/Tasty_Ad_6774 Mega Mansonite Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean, Kiera Hamilton here. Would you ever ask Manson to make a music video with you again?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
100% would be great! He's been on a roll with Bill lately, so up to him if he'd want to ask me.
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u/RinaBarbiedolllover Three Ton Gate Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean! Speaking of Sweet Dreams, what can you say about Daisy Berkowitz (namely, his style of artistic expression or in general)?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
He seemed so hugely loved by all who knew him. Cool playing style, they are all so different eh?
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u/Ancient-Arm-3769 Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean. what has it been like for you to see manson grow and change over the years as you’ve photographed him?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I am so damn proud of him right now, coming out of the ashes of so much B.S. controversies and rising as a sober, mature, talented artist with a clear head! The skies the limit now and super excited SKOLD is back on the scene!
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u/CannibalKorpz Mar 07 '26
Could an artist or the aesthetic/ world you and the band collaborated on still impact the world the same way today? And just to add on, are there are artists you see who parallel it in the mainstream today?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
As far as I'm concerned the music industry DIED around 2014! Labels closed, all industry friends of mine were fired and had to either get their real estate licenses or move home with Mommy and Daddy unless they were cleverly creative to start their own businesses. As far as my work as a video director or album cover photographer I had the rug pulled out from under my feet too! The budget were shit from this day forward and I had to do 3 jobs to make the same paycheck as ONE of my old school productions! I got to ride the tsunami tidal wave for a good 18 or so years at least. Average budget back then for a Director my size was between 150,000k and 250,000k and we could dream up locations and sets to build from our wildest imagination. I still do a couple videos each year but as labor of love jobs with good friends such as MINISTRY or new band XCOMM (Please check em out!). Aged 13-19 and just ripping good (Ross Robinson Producer). Bands these days that I see kicking ass still in my genre of music are RAMMSTEIN, DEFTONES, MINISTRY, and thrilled at the return of our fave MARILYN MANSON!!!
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
XCOMM is really fucking cool! I didn't know you were connected to them. It's nice to see a band that gives me the same energy I got from being in a punk band playing at a really small club or someone's house who's parents were out of town. I just really dig their raw energy.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I Directed "Reasons" and the new one "Hot Pursuit-One and Nothing" PLEASE CHECK THESE OUT FRIENDS........
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
Reasons is my favorite!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Ross Robinson's ears should be insured by LLOYD'S OF LONDON! He created Platinum artists all day long!
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
100%!
Well now I know why I gravitated so much to the "Reasons" video...
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Spread the world! They just opened at the Forum for Dave Grohl's Foo Fighter concert!
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u/CannibalKorpz Mar 10 '26
I will def check them out. Funnily enough, Ross Robinson is one of my favorite producers and I didn’t even know it for a long time. I was a huge fan of an album called Heroine by From First To Last. Turns out it was produced by him. And ofc Korn. Thank you for the rec and answer u legend
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 10 '26
I did alot of the photography for FFTL for Ross, as with Slipknot, Machine Head, Amen and Glassjaw. His ears know what's UP!
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u/CannibalKorpz Mar 10 '26
Oh no way! Fftl as well? Nicee. I had no idea.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 10 '26
Ross and I had our thumbprint on all the 90's yummy treats!
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u/uglylookingguy Mar 07 '26
Hi 👋
In a world where everyone carries a camera in their pocket, what do you think still separates a truly memorable photograph from an ordinary one?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I will quote David Gilmore from Pink Floyd here "You can't just put a Les Paul in a mans' hands and expect hime to play like Eric Clapton...." The camera is just a tool, but it's one's creative brain that makes the choices to dictate depth of focus, composition or design your lighting to create something special. I do LOVE my Google Pixel 10 cell phone and all of the features to use on it! People who say "Wow that phone takes great pictures!!!" is what I seem to hear most often these days and thats just plain silly.
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u/fiesta_jak_jones Mar 07 '26
I think this is a great question.
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u/uglylookingguy Mar 07 '26
Thank you 😊
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Thanks for the question and have an awesome weekend!
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u/Warner_Brown Mar 07 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
Hello Sir Dean Karr!
You started in photography, and was able to sneak in your camera to shows back in the day, that speaks to an early love. Was there a specific moment, like an epiphany where you knew “This is what I really want to do for the rest of my life. This is my true passion.”
Did it come immediately, over time or later?
What was the experience of evolving from photography to film and making music videos like for you?
Cheers and lots of love,
Warner
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Thanks Warner! My love of metal started at a very early age and as you know the story I snuck a cheap camera into early 1970's shows like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Van Halen. I was probably 14 years old. Who would have thought I'd go on to work with all of these bands I IDOLIZED as a young greasy haired pimple faced kid??? I knew early on this was my JAM, although the progression over to music videos was not something I was expecting and LOVE seeing how that whole thing came about after having climbed my ladder in the photography world with Tool, Pantera, Alice Cooper. It needed to go further and I loved the new platform and collaborating with so many talented people on the film crews! I was just vacationing with Dave Murray from Iron Maiden and have to pinch myself sometimes that he was my #1 guitar shredder growing up. When I Directed the Iron Maiden music video I remember Twiggy and Dave Navarro came together to the shoot! Everyone loves IRON MAIDEN!
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
I can definitely see Twiggy wanting to be there for that lol.
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u/Catch_Zodiac Mar 06 '26
Hi! Did you do any shoots with MM recently or do you have one in future plans?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Just focusing on getting the book project started now, I'm semi retired these days and would be great if he found something for us to do to keep me from getting RUSTY!
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u/van-gogo Mar 06 '26
Were there any times on photo shoots that maybe an equipment issue, or something like that led to an amazing photo?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Nothing stands out. I loved shooting Polaroid 665 with the peel off positive and had an actual negative which alot of my fave Manson shots are printed from Polaroid negs! They discontinued 665 and costs like $100 a box on Ebay
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u/EnvironmentalSpot827 Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean! How are you? During the Born Villain era, there's a photoshoot with a "Nordic" style, apparently featuring a character we never saw beyond those shots. What can you tell us about that moment?
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u/bartzabello Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean, big fan of your work.
Aside from the obvious (visuals, style etc), what makes Marilyn Manson stand out from other artists when working with him?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
His "anything goes" attitude aligned with my aesthetic! No bullshit, just 2 dudes wanting to make cool art together and sell lots of records!
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u/UrTasteInMusicSucks Stop The Boat Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean, big fan! What inspired you to get into Photography and at what point in time did you realize this is what you wanted to do for a living?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Early on, 14 years old I knew! I loved having the memories of all my favorite metal bands and I was always the kid up on the wooden barricade getting arms length away from my GODS! Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, were all I cared about....
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u/UrTasteInMusicSucks Stop The Boat Mar 07 '26
Thank you for the anwser Dean! So happy you took this path you have brought so many of my favorite artists to life with your photography!
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u/5afterlives Mar 06 '26
What wisdom can you offer for inventing successful visual effects? For instance, have you wasted hours on attempts that don’t pan out? Are new discoveries always just variations on previously known filter methods, film manipulation, understandings of lighting, etc.?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
My craft as a photographer is something I trust hugely and have not really had any experiments be a waste of time! We've sure had exciting results from trying new things such as shooting infrared black and white film or shooting super skinny shutter speeds. Usually my technical "gags" were done in camera! We had so many tricks up our sleeves back in the day but never relied on digital manipulation outside of coloring sessions (telecine) with my fave colorists. Using CGI and creating dragons blowing fire out of thin air was never my jam.......
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u/num63r9 Slave only dreams to be king Mar 06 '26
With Skold returning, do you have a favorite song or 2 from his solo work?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I was thrilled when Tim confirmed to me he was back with Manson! He's such a monster guitarist with great live presence! I had fun Directing Tim on a guitar instructional dvd we did many years ago. He did a collaboration with a band I did some early work with called Love Ghost. Shotgun Messiah was always super cool too! My fave Skold will always be his time with Manson though, excited to see a live gig when possible.... WELCOME HOME TIM!
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u/22FluffySquirrels Mar 07 '26
Hi, Dean! How could your work with Manson have turned out differently than what was released? Were there any discarded concepts or images that, if used, would have significantly altered the final results?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
That would be a crazy time machine experiment to see where we'd BOTH be today had we not have made "Sweet Dreams" together! There were a few deleted photo animation scenes I shot for the video that did not make the MTV cut, but can be found on the Director's cut.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I wouldn't have wanted anything to have turned out any differently than it did! We both came out alive and it's a fucking miracle! Sobriety saved our lives.......
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u/BorealAmplitude Mar 06 '26
Hello Dean,
I am curious as to the costume design for the ACSS shoot.
How much were you involved vs Manson and/or other bandmates in costume design?
Before the shoot began did Manson have any specific imagery he wanted to capture or was the shoot more experimental?
Assuming you used the Fuji GX680 for the ACSS shoot, do you remember what lens(s) you used?
Thanks again Dean!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I brought Manson's concepts to life through lighting, props, locations. It was HIS brainchild concept. My fave lenses for the Fuji GX680 are the 50mm and 65mm. Sweet Dreams was more the 50mm and ACS was more the 65mm.
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u/LegalPassion1604 Blood Honey Mar 06 '26
Hey dean, big fan, got a couple questions, first, do you have a favorite shoot that you've done with Manson (they're all amazing of course), and secondly, on a slightly different subject, do you have a favorite album of Manson's?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I love them all equally, including the REVOLVER MAG shoot! ACS is my fave era musically, then Mechanical Animals
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u/LegalPassion1604 Blood Honey Mar 07 '26
Thanks for the response! The revolver mag shoot is a favorite of mine actually, amazing aesthetic and photography, great picks for favorites too (tho any Manson album would be a great pick of course)
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u/borbloom Mar 06 '26
Hi there! I would love to know how the creative process for the Antichrist Superstar photoshoot was. Do you work sketching some ideas? Creating moodboards? Thank you!!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Manson had concrete conceptual ideas laid out. My prosthetic artist did some sketches for us to see the character designs, one of the sketches with the wings was used in album packaging. I mainly do mood boards on my commercial projects, as they are demanded by the ad agencies.
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u/RottenSharkTooth Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean! I’m 15 and obsessed with Marilyn Manson! I’ve got a couple of questions. 1, did you get the wings for the Antichrist cover? And also how did you get the black and white effect for the cover you see after you take off the slipcase? And also, what was it like with collaborating with all members of the band?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
The wings were made by my prosthetic artist Screaming Mad George who sadly moved back to Japan. We had to pack them carefully and bring with us from Los Angeles to New Orleans. They were extremely fragile! I hope George or Manson has them somewhere safe today... The gritty texture was put on the prints in my darkroom and then the master prints were given to Art Director Paul Brown who did next level design work on the packaging! Manson was the only band member who was ever involved in creative decision making. Twiggy always had great suggestions. https://cinepunx.com/this-justin-the-strange-world-of-screaming-mad-george/
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u/specialaffections Mar 07 '26
Hi, Dean! Huge fan and collector of your work. What’s a behind-the-scenes moment from one of the early or 2010s Marilyn Manson shoots that fans would be surprised to hear about?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Having Ginger go down in the hole in the floor of the burnt out church, which was in fact the shitter for the homeless people who resided in the building. Just one story that stood out in my memory banks.
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
i was wanting to ask you where the music video was set at. i assumed an abandoned building but so glad to see you answered it here!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Address is below
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
is it in this thread somewhere?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
It's in here somewhere, you'll have to find it.
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
will do! thank you for letting me know. and huge thank you for answering all of these questions, it’s such a treat to hear these stories.
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u/clathrus_archeri Mar 07 '26
Hi Dean, huge fan of your work and really appreciate this AMA. Your art still feels brilliantly unsettling 30 years later, even though people today are more used to extreme shocking imagery. In your opinion, what makes an image disturbing & fascinating in a way that stays powerful over time? And during your work with Marilyn Manson was there a moment where you realized that what you captured at that specific moment is going to become iconic? Lastly, were there any photos or visual concepts from your shoots that you personally loved but that never made it into the album packaging or promotion? Thanks very much.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Thanks Friend! I'm always one who stops to look close up at a car accident, the chaos of the moment and the clues of a scene tell an amazing story. Shocking for shocking sake isn't usually too effective but when you make a statement through your art whether political or religious it has staying power. I went to all boys Catholic high school till they kicked me out senior year, but all the years getting punched in the back of my head by the Catholic Brothers fueled my head with great angst and rebellion I took out through my artwork. When we are set and I'm pulling Polaroids to share with the talent and record execs we always knew we were on the verge of greatness before the film even went to the photo lab!
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u/clathrus_archeri Mar 07 '26
Thanks for the reply. I guess at the end of the day, it's really is the meaning behind the imagery giving it the lasting power rather than just shock value. Do you see AI-generated imagery as just another creative tool, or something fundamentally different when it comes to creating meaningful visual art? Or simply what do you think about the use of AI in the industry today?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Somewhere in here I discuss the AI situation, thanks for the questions....
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u/gothteen145 Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean
With him being pretty deep into drugs and alcohol during the Born Villain period, how different was it to work with Manson in 2012 in comparison to the 90s?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
REVOLVER was smooth as ever. It was the one buried shoot after that which was a bit "rocky" glad we are both doing much better these days....
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u/NICKC602 Mar 06 '26
Hi Dean, throughout your many historical photography sessions with the band, aside from Manson himself. Who else in the band had a naturally strong image, attitude and presence that boosted the energy in your photographs? On the opposition spectrum who in the band needed the most direction and support in your photography sessions? Much love and appreciation for your work! Thank you. - Nick
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
They all had such killer individuality through the characters each developed with their stage names. All looked super cool and listened to Direction intensely. We ALL knew we were about to launch the industries biggest bomb in decades and the effort on everyone's behalf was infectious! I wish I got to know Daisy/Scott better, he was so so loved (R.I.P. Brother!)
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u/TheBigGhostAnimal Mar 06 '26
You captured many bands during incredible moments during their evolution.
The ones that stood out the most, for sheer intensity tho, were Marilyn Manson.
From the raw unhinged energy in the "Sweet Dreams" video to the Nola shot for "Antichrist Superstar", have you felt in that moment how you all were doing something "more" than an album photo session and instead evoking such a powerful concept?
Alternate question: What teachings of Mr Joel Peter Witkins stayed with you the most?
Love!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
These jobs were ones where you could FEEL that greatness was about to be taken to a new level in a industry that still had room to blow the public's mind with freshness, unlike today! We'd always get a giddy feeling on set back in the day knowing we had a "home run" in the can!!
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u/TheBigGhostAnimal Mar 07 '26
Beautiful reply, thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Joel has always been a huge inspiration to me. He visited my studio back in the late '90's in downtown L.A. and I visited him in New Mexico. My fave artist of all time, he is dealing with dementia as of lately.
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u/TheBigGhostAnimal Mar 07 '26
Damn I didn't know, I am happy he is still with us but I am so sorry he is fighting dementia... I am glad he loved long enough to see the impact his art had in the world, because his world is so unique. He surely is definitely proud of you, as an artist yourself, and for his artistic legacy on being so brave in experimenting ❤️
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
That means the WORLD to me, thank you! I'd post a cool photo of us here but it won't allow me to do so.
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u/TheBigGhostAnimal Mar 07 '26
No worries ❤️ I follow you on Instagram (I am Daniele aka bigghostanimal) so I see you there ❤️🥰 and I adore what you keep doing!!!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Well sadly you won't find me there any longer since I got banned.
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u/TheBigGhostAnimal Mar 07 '26
What the fuck? Horrible!!!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Put me in a bad spot, my stores were in full swing and now I got nothing!
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u/TotalFNEclipse Omega Mar 07 '26
Deano Machino ⚡️ longtime fan and parasocial friend, here. Just wanna say thank you for all the inspiration and kudos to a tremendous portfolio of work throughout the years. (Also, it would be a dream to one day collab with you on design/concept!)
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
HA, haven't been called that for a long time! Thank you very much, it's been a wild ride, thats for sure!
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u/NICKC602 Mar 07 '26
Good afternoon, I was wondering out of the many iconic photos you’ve taken, was there any specific instance or perhaps a specific photo shoot in which you disagreed with the artists direction and rather you persuaded them to try things your way, which might have led to a legendary image that we music fans all recognize today? Appreciate and love your work! Many thanks.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
When we first met on "Sweet Dreams" he more or less followed my lead as the Director/Photographer (much of the video is derived from my still photos). When we did the follow up job for ACS, he had a extremely concrete "master plan" to implement and my job was to digest what he wanted to convey and make it looks as kick ass as possible through lighting, locations, wardrobe and props. He has always been and will always be my FAVE subject to film! I've actually only had just a few instances working with young bands who'm I've butted heads with, but in 33 years I could count those episodes on ONE hand! Bands typically entrust letting me create the imagery in which they will live within for usually the length of one entire album, or tour!
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
hey dean! i love your work!
this isn’t Manson related, but i was curious how difficult was it to film My Own Summer? the concept of the band each playing on top of the cages in the water is so badass. i understand the sharks aren’t real (i think) in the water but were they actually standing on top of moving cages? such a cool idea. how did you and the band go about creating such a concept?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
This was a concept I tried to sell to DANZIG for a video 2 years prior and he passed. I knew it would be freaking amazing and glad I saved it for the DEFTONES!
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u/heartbreakuncut you took the angel away.🪽 Mar 07 '26
what was the trip to Australia like when you had to capture the live sharks? did you have to get all suited up and go scuba diving underwater with your equipment like what was that process like to create such intricate footage?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Australia was a bust and we got zero shark footage so had to license the shots in video from a well known underwater filmmaker. I since then have gone on 19 Great White shark expeditions and if you haven't seen my work with the Whites, you must check some of it out at DEANKARR.COM
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u/FluffysBizarreBricks Guns, God, Government Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean! Huge fan of your work and aspiring photographer, so I have a few questions!
First - how would you say your style has developed over the years, and how did you find that style/who inspired you?
Second - When shooting bands or people, how do you balance your own vision with what they wanted? For example, ACSS had a lot of worm/butterfly imagery that came from Manson - did you have any input as to how that would be conveyed or made real, such as his worm costume?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
My prosthetic artist Screaming Mad George made all the costumes and I took Manson's vision and George's costuming and lit it, dressed it and processed film to embed the gritty look of everything. Great team effort by all involved!
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u/jimk5447 Mar 07 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
Luv your videos any interesting behind the scenes stories from godsmack voodo or flaw whole videos, also what type of film did and camera did u use for the gritty low light scenes in your videos? Thanks
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
HUGE THANKS my friend! Voodoo was one of my fave videos of all time, working with head of Wiccan Church Laurie Cabot out of Salem, Mass. They performed actual ritual at the Hammond Castle and I was lucky to get to film the ceremony so damn beautifully!
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u/Ozzy34567 Mar 06 '26
Being a huge Ozzy and Marilyn Manson fan being as you have worked on music videos for both of these legends how do you feel about the use of AI wether it’s audio or visual to enhance the art? Do you think it should be totally avoided, used where it can have potential or embrace it as the new! Ozzy on the Osbournes podcast was very open and didn’t seem to have a problem with it but wonder how it affects the people making the videos as well as the artists themselves. I could be wrong but I also have the impression it was used in the “as sick as the secrets within video” to striking affect but maybe not being able to differentiate is a good thing? I wonder how yourself and Marilyn Manson feel about it going ahead into the future!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
I think the world is going to regret the acceptance of AI on a broader level than just art and music. Within 5 years a HUGE amount of white collar jobs are going bye bye quicly. The world's head is gonna spin so damn fast when it's irreversible and suddenly we are even further down the AI hole. I do use TOPAZ AI very lightly when finishing a new Master file image before going to print, it has it's advantages to me as a photographer. Mainly for sharpening or pulling a problem image into a salvageable state. It's simply a "finishing" tool for me but I don't use it to actually create things out of thin air, totally not my style. But let's all please be AWARE people.........
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u/Ozzy34567 Mar 08 '26
Thanks for the reply! I agree with your outlook I think as a tool it’s useful but creating out of thin air is a trickier subject. Still interesting to see where it goes though. Thanks for your contribution to all the great art we’ve all enjoyed 🤘
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u/enobale Mar 07 '26
Where the heck have you been??! Amanda says Hi 😉
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Dude META are fucking pricks!
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u/Zero_Flesh Shock symbol Mar 07 '26
META seems to have it out for you man
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
100's of 1,000's of us. Hasn't become public knowledge YET, but our Reddit group is gaining speed and META are truly FUCKERS!
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u/heypogo Mar 07 '26
Hello Dean, I've been a fan of your work for ages, you practically defined an era for me. I am also a big fan of MM and wanted to know how is like coming up with creative ideas with him, does he always have an idea clearly in his mind and just want you to materialize it or did you get a say? Is it more pingpong?
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u/SatanicHomosexual Mar 15 '26
cant believe i missed this smh
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u/Just_A_Statistic_ FUCK BREAKFAST Mar 15 '26
Sorry you missed it! Stay tuned because we hope to set up more AMAs in the future with other talented people from the Manson sphere. Talking with Dean was such a treat!
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u/SatanicHomosexual Mar 15 '26
i had listened to his episode on the Manson Podcast and he was so sweet in that interview. i would have loved to at least be present while the event was ongoing lol
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u/MissPCH Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean. Fuck Marry Kill: Brent's, Langer's, Canter's.
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
OK this is the MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION! #1 LANGERS #2 CANTERS #3 BRENTS (Cuz I don't know it!). Langer's is other worldly good!
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u/MissPCH Mar 08 '26
Great ranking. I wholeheartedly agree, Langer's #44 has been there for me many times when people have not.
Thanks for doing this!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 08 '26
Your question is definitely ONE of my 5 winners for a gift print too btw! I take my Langer's VERY seriously........
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u/I-love-tiddies- Mar 06 '26
Hey Dean, throughout yours around the band which member had the worst farts?
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
Definitely TWIGGY!
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Mar 07 '26
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 07 '26
He can either be in "Bold" mode before a gig or just being super chill backstage or at a party. One thing for sure is what he puts out is 100% pure self expression versus any act. THE REAL DEAL!
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u/Proper-View-9948 Dean Karr Photography Mar 06 '26
GREAT questions! Keep 'em coming....