This is a great story. I’m impressed she said yes. Seems like a generosity of spirit. I’m curious, though, why you think you didn’t impress her. Because you didn’t hear back?
Yeah, that is what I was getting at. I knew we wouldn't actually become friends, but I was young and naive and hoped she'd see something in me or my photos.
I too met and photographed her, back in 2010 at the Easter Parade. Sent her a print and also never heard back. I don’t think she was mean or thoughtless, but just busy and involved in other things. I imagine she got asked often, and was gracious enough to allow us to speak to her and make a few photos. I appreciated that she just had a very normal conversation with me. The print I sent was my thanks to her, and I didn’t need anything in return because I had already been given a bit of her time and presence.
The nerves are intense! I would have totally sweat through my shirt and missed the focus... you passed with flying colors and made a great portrait too! They say to never meet your idols, but I give her major respect for saying yes to the request and giving you the time.
I don‘t think you have failed. I imagine her to be a very busy woman, who gets a lot of mails by photographers who want to impress her. What a great opportunity. I don‘t think I would have had the guts to ask her. You should be proud of yourself.
Even then, I never saw it as a failure. I was young and probably a bit naive, but I've always been grateful for the opportunity. What stood out most was the way she spoke to me—not quite as an equal, but as if I could be one someday.
When a studio receives mail, there are filters before the 'Master' gets to see it. Odds are MEM never saw your photographs. They probably got trapped with one of the assistants. Nice work on your part and what a wonderful opportunity!
Love that B&W image shot from the fire escape. What a fantastic opportunity.
Thank you! It really was.
This is a great story. I’m impressed she said yes. Seems like a generosity of spirit. I’m curious, though, why you think you didn’t impress her. Because you didn’t hear back?
Yeah, that is what I was getting at. I knew we wouldn't actually become friends, but I was young and naive and hoped she'd see something in me or my photos.
Well don’t be too down on yourself. I can’t imagine a tougher audience to impress, and your portraits of her are lovely!
Thank you Bill.
Wonderful story and what a great memory. Terrific shots too.
Hey thanks so much!
I too met and photographed her, back in 2010 at the Easter Parade. Sent her a print and also never heard back. I don’t think she was mean or thoughtless, but just busy and involved in other things. I imagine she got asked often, and was gracious enough to allow us to speak to her and make a few photos. I appreciated that she just had a very normal conversation with me. The print I sent was my thanks to her, and I didn’t need anything in return because I had already been given a bit of her time and presence.
The nerves are intense! I would have totally sweat through my shirt and missed the focus... you passed with flying colors and made a great portrait too! They say to never meet your idols, but I give her major respect for saying yes to the request and giving you the time.
She was pretty great.
Great piece and soundtrack! I want to know what happened with Larry Bird.
Ha, that's a shorter story, but sadly, also ends with us not becoming best friends.
Fine writing Travis, fine indeed
Thank you Simon!
I don‘t think you have failed. I imagine her to be a very busy woman, who gets a lot of mails by photographers who want to impress her. What a great opportunity. I don‘t think I would have had the guts to ask her. You should be proud of yourself.
Even then, I never saw it as a failure. I was young and probably a bit naive, but I've always been grateful for the opportunity. What stood out most was the way she spoke to me—not quite as an equal, but as if I could be one someday.
And yeah, this does contradict my headline doesn't it? I'm just like a real newspaper!
Wonderful story, Travis, and the photos you took are great.
Thanks Mark!
When a studio receives mail, there are filters before the 'Master' gets to see it. Odds are MEM never saw your photographs. They probably got trapped with one of the assistants. Nice work on your part and what a wonderful opportunity!
Maybe! It was awesome.
Here's something Noah says on occasion, because it's true: Grandma Linda got hit by a bus.
“ I never heard back”
In my experience, how mean are great photographers with those trying to get closer and get a hand
However, she did allow me to come by and photograph her, so I was always grateful for that.
Of course but she wasn’t, that’s what I mean
Ah, got it.
Great experience though
It really was.