WS Entry: #6
I've been with a camera by my side for years. I've spent several times elbowing my way through throngs of protestors, or hitching a ride in military aircraft to disaster areas to hopefully capture that one telling photo. However, I can't seem to get myself to readily take the photo of anyone who may be considered a 'celebrity' or is famous if I just happen to have a sighting of them peacefully walking down the street or sitting in a cafe.
Last Saturday as I was having coffee in Notting Hill with a college friend, Michelle, this cute little brunette boy plops down beside me on the sofa I was sitting in. I looked over as his really skinny "mom" fusses over him and turn back to talk to Michelle. I quickly do a double take and glance over before "mom" heads for the coffee counter. I quickly mouth to Michelle: "Is that who I think it is?" and she nods her head. Two minutes later Elle MacPherson and her son are snuggling with each other on the same sofa right next to me with only my balled up coat separating us.
My SLR was right on top and my point-&-shoot was in the bag by my feet. I had the urge to pick up either one of the cameras, but I was too embarassed to take the shot. I did manage to have a few words with her... her dad used to be lawyer at the ADB, she visited twice, she doesn't know the Filipino guy who has claimed to have gone out with her during her visits. (Poor guy!) Still, I still could not work up the courage to ask her and her son to pose for that 'souvenir' photo. This was the best I could muster - after she got across to the other side of the street and headed up towards the trendy shops of Notting Hill. I swear, that is Elle and her son on their bike.
Elle MacPherson and her son in Notting Hill.Several hours later I was enjoying an usually sunny and mild London winter afternoon in front of the National Gallery. I had just seen the National Portrait Gallery's exhibit of the 2007 Photographic Portrait Prize (wonderful!) and was wandering amidst the crowd in Trafalgar Square. I'm clicking away and just before the shutter opens in one of my shots this guy and his daughter walks into the frame. I hear his voice and I'm thinking : "He sounds familiar". I'm still not sure and I wish he weren't wearing the shades, but it sounded like and looked like Chris Rock. Apparently he was (is?) in London for a show of his.
Is it him? Here's the shot...
The crowd in front of the National Portrait Gallery.
Here's the enlarged portion of the same photo. Is it Chris Rock?
So, that was London. Earlier that same week I was in Zurich and I managed to snap this one. I guess you could say this was a 'paparazzi' attempt, although with a Pentax P&S.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leaving a luncheon.
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