I’ve shared this story before on my blog and during my seminars. So, if you’ve heard it before, you have a free pass today. However, I think it’s a story worth telling and I’m sure I’ll tell it again.
I have photographed many famous, prominent and interesting people through my career. I’ve photographed presidents, movie stars and people who made a difference in their communities.
A favorite story of mine occurred when I photographed Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. It was only a few years after the death of Princess Diana. An editor called me at the last-minute for a quick assignment. It was a set-time, an hour away and I had to race to the location. I met the reporter Christy in the lobby. At our appointed time, we were led into a small office where the Duchess was sitting against a wall with two chairs in front of her. To the right of us was a public relations person taking notes.
I pulled my equipment out while listening to the polite conversation between the Duchess and Christy. The room was dark, so I pulled my flash out of my bag. I softly interrupted the two ladies. I gestured with my camera that I was about to take her photograph. Next, I asked if she would mind if I used a flash.
There was long awkward silence.
The Duchess looked at me and said, “You know something?”
More silence. Then she said:
“You are the only photographer to ever ask me to take my photograph.”
Considering there was a time she was one of the most photographed people in the world, that was a statement.
After that moment, the atmosphere opened up and her demeanor changed from formal to casual. She nodded to the public relations person and he excused himself.
We had an excellent interview. She opened up and began sharing stories about her life and the Royal Family. After the reporter’s questions were answered, we said our good-byes. I asked Christy take a photo of us and I returned the favor to Christy. The Duchess walked us to the door expressing her pleasure with the interview and the conversation.
That interview was an excellent lesson for me. All people want to be appreciated and respected, and not treated as an object. No matter your subject’s status or attitude, you should always be considerate and professional.
What is your experience photographing people?
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