Michael Jang's snaps of Hollywood parties he gatecrashed in the 1970s

Photographer Michael Jang is a fascinating character – not to mention a very patient one. He’s been working since the 1970s, but it’s only in recent years that his photographs have garnered the attention they deserve: back in 2012, we went loopy for his superb snaps of weather presenter wannabes from the 1980s.

Michael is now enjoying seeing his work featured in an exhibition at SFMOMA. “I was an unknown photographer working for 40 years in obscurity and finally I’m getting all this attention,” he tells us.

It’s given us good reason to pore over his website, a veritable treasure trove of skilfully shot images that document everything from glitz and glamour to down and outs. One of our favourite series is presented here, a range of images taken at The Beverly Hilton of “parties that I crashed in Hollywood as a student in the 1970s.”

The monochrome is a perfect foil to the gaudy delights of the hotel’s partygoers, resplendent with innovate slicked fringes, impeccable ‘fros and – in the case of a chap called David Bowie – a massive tie. It’s a glorious series that’s a testament to bullshitting your way into parties, and the Hollywood of yesteryear.