Saturday October 4,2008

another busy day, just the way I like it. Some great shoots, some not so great shoots, "stolen moments" where, when walking from one assignment to the next, I spot someone on the street. What I really wanted to do was head down to Philadelphia with my friend Debbie and try and find my Philadephian photographer friend Hugh and shoot the Obama rally where Bruce Springsteen was performing an acoustic set. Turns out my good friend and Sorority Sister Dara was there and even met someone I knew. However, I took several assignments for today several weeks ago, before the rally was announced, so I was out of luck.
The New Yorker Festival was all weekend and my agency, Startraksphoto, are the house photographers.For the second year in a row, I was assigned to shoot a conversation with Matt Groening (creator of the Simpsons) and Lynda Barry. Hysterical is too calm a word for this pair.
A few more events for the festival and then it was off to the Ziegfield Theater for the big premiere of the fall-"The Changeling" starring Angelina Jolie and directed by Clint Eastwood. Damion Stene from NBC/Universal is probably the best Publicity person this city has ever seen. He sends out an email informing everyone of an upcoming premiere and sends us an email back with our number depening on how fast we responded. He tells us what time to arrive-about an hour before the screening is to begin, we head into the tent in our assigned order, and take out positions. He also ALWAYS gives us a lot of space. Last night, there were about 20 photographers who were not credentialed but space was made for them outside the tent. IF EVERYONE PR person in NYC handled events like Mr. Stene does, it would be wonderful. This man is a gem.
Nothing brings out more photographers, fans and video than an Angelina Jolie premiere. Even photographers based in LA fly out. West 54th Street was a parking lot. Much to the delight of the fans, Angelina and Brad Pitt signed autographs for what seemed to be an eternity. Finally, into the tent they arrived, arm in arm. Flashes were blinding and a constant.Then all of a sudden, they were gone. The group started chanting "fashion, fashion" hoping she would some back and pose alone. Several never thought she would, but alas-there she was...back on the carpet posing alone. When she was done, the cheers and clapping and loud "Thank you, thank you" could probably be heard to 6th Avenue. These are the rare moments-when EVERYONE shooting is completely happy.
Clint Eastwood also walked the carpet as well as Jeffrey Donovan-Diane, my good friend and Sorority Sister-his smile is for you!
"Stolen moments" of the day-spotting Anne Hathaway (and reacting so fast I didn't even notice she was holding some woman's hand) and comedians Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel who are back together as a couple after breaking up. A few fans asked Sarah for a photo and she was more than happy to stop.