Kim Rebecca Gottlieb-Walker
Kim Gottlieb-Walker is a celebrated photographer and novelist whose career spans over five decades. Beginning in the 1960s, she captured the vibrant energy of music and popular culture, photographing iconic figures in rock and reggae, including Bob Marley, and contributing to magazines and counterculture publications. She later transitioned to motion pictures and television, serving as unit photographer on John Carpenter’s films such as Halloween, Escape from New York, Christine, and The Fog, as well as on television classics including Cheers, Family Ties, and episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. Kim’s work consistently combines technical precision with an instinct for capturing the personality and soul of her subjects.
In addition to her photographic achievements, Kim has been a committed advocate for her peers, serving for three decades on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600) and chairing the IATSE District Two Public Relations Committee. She has authored coffee-table photo books, including Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae and On Set with John Carpenter, both of which have seen international printings. Her contributions to the photography community extend beyond her art, including creating directories, handbooks, and scholarship funds to support emerging photographers.
Kim’s creative journey later expanded into fiction, drawing on her early career experiences. Her debut novel, Lenswoman in Love – a novel of the 1960s & '70s, released in 2025, has garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards for its vivid portrayal of a woman navigating love, ambition, and artistry during a transformative era. In addition to her novel, she continues to inspire others through her ongoing projects, including weekly Zoom meetings for women authors over 70, called Vintage Writers, and remains a dynamic figure bridging the worlds of photography, film, and literature.
• Global Book Awards 2025
• Finalist in the International Book Awards,
• Finalist in the Chanticleer International Book Awards/ the Chatelaine Award (for best romantic fiction of the year).
• 1st place Winner National Indie Excellence Award for romance
• Short-list for the Hawthorne Prize
• 3 Silver medals from BOOKFEST (Women's Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction 20th century
• Ist Place Winner International Impact Awards for Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Female Empowerment
• Finalist in the Page Turner Awards
• BookLife Prize Semifinalist for romance
• Penmaster Award : Best debut novel of 2025
• Winner in the 2025 IAN Book of the Year Awards!
Independent Author Network
• Coffeepot Book Club Silver Medal for 20th Century Historical Fiction
• IATSE Local 600 Gold Card
• Emmy certificates for work as unit photographer on "CHEERS"
• UCLA - BFA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of my mentors, including the late guild President George Dibie and National Business Agent Bruce Doering. Their leadership, wisdom, and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping my professional journey in the International Cinematographers Guild. And I am forever grateful for legendary producer Debra Hill, who fought to get me into the union and who shattered the glass ceiling for women in film. As an author, I must give well-earned credit to my editor Deanna Brady, and to the wonderful women who have been in my critique groups.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering my industry, I advise focusing on developing strong skills, building meaningful professional connections, and cultivating a positive and professional personality—these are all essential for success in a union environment. I also emphasize the importance of properly archiving your digital work, as maintaining organized records can make a significant difference in managing your career and opportunities. For those who would love to be writers - the writing community is incredibly supportive. Join writing organizations and critique groups and plunge in to writing your first darft. Don't worry about perfection at that point - just write the scenes you can see most clearly first. Find wise critique partners and professional editors to polish your manuscript.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The world of publishing is now available to all - but make sure your book has been professionally edited and is the best it can be before either approaching an agent or publisher, or self-publishing.
For still photographers working in the entertainment industry - set security has been compromised by the proliferation of digital cameras. Label your work well and stay up to date on archiving methods, as they change frequently!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, respect for your co-workers, preserving moments for history that are worth preserving. Using my skills to make the world a better place and helping others achieve their dreams as well.