Heavenc4nwait - Tell The Angels No

At “Epiphany" Restaurant in Santa Barbara, CA. September 2004

These are some of my favourite pictures of Michael (the entire shoot), taken by the now late Jonathan Exley who passed away last year (2011) on Michael’s birthday believe it or not, due to Liver Failure. When Michael died one of Exley’s photographs from the same shoot as these two above made the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Before his death these photographs were pretty much hidden away, I think fans had one picture available from the session. When he passed many fabulous photographs of Michael that had been hidden away for years suddenly appeared in magazines, internet sites, television shows. Jonathan Exley was not alone in having his work with Michael find the light once MJ was gone, but his photographs indeed stood out. He captured Michael in one of the most natural ‘shoots that Michael had ever been a part of as an adult man. It captured him honestly, at home, during a terribly difficult period in his life. No fancy outfits, no Pop Royalty pose, no made up settings or looks… just Michael. These photographs will always have a special place in my heart and I guess many others too. In Loving Memory of Michael Jackson & Jonathan Exley. Two fabulous artists.

Christmas party at Neverland ranch (2004)