The picture I got with Dr. Maya Angelou

I know what you're thinking...It's been forever since I've blogged. You may have forgotten about me. If you did forget I'm sure I deserve it but I'll have to explain that whole deal later. This story is way better than the damaged hard drive situation that temporarily traumatized my life. For now I'll have to skip the sob story and cut straight to the amazing experience that has motivated me to get back in the game and share my life through the lens!

One of my favorite types of photography is press photography but know that I absolutely haaaate the term paparazzi because of its negative connotation. It's very rare that you'll see me chasing down a celebrity or waiting outside of some crazy location, unless it's for our First Lady, Mrs. Obama. Can you blame me?

I will note that the ladies handling the media list approached me to ask if I was coming in to the Olive Garden restaurant to capture their support of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative. I looked the part. Although it was quite tempting I immediately referenced the Salahis' party crashing stunt and decided it did not qualify for the "fake it 'til I make it" list. With all the camera phones, of some fine, but aggressive, seniors blocking me this was as close to good as I got.

I'm sure we all have at least one person or a few who we'd play paparazzi to. Outside of those few I have, I would rather photograph individuals who are accomplished from doing what they love. Specifically, I love to photograph people who are contributing to a good cause and influencing progress and change in the world. In the short time I have been shooting, I have had wonderful opportunities to photograph some amazing events and people (who often happen to be celebrities and public figures).  Among those inspiring events I've photographed is the 15th Annual Fundraiser for the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools that was held on May 3rd of this year. The organization helps at-risk students accomplish academic and life-long success through their schools and work place development program. Ironically, one of the schools is located inside a facility of the agency that pushed me away and into my place in photography. I know they say all things are connected but it still wows me when dots connect to former places, people, and things.

Along with the great cause, I couldn't resist a lineup that included succeeding children, Maya Angelou herself, Common, Kindred The Family Soul, Free *wink*, Michelle Wright, and many more! When I agreed to shoot the event I knew it would be great but I had no idea what I was in for. Let me give you my dreamy Pisces version of what happened.

Unlike most of my press events, my journalist partner was unable to make the event in time for the VIP reception and press interview.  As usual, I planned to create photographs as my version of journalism. After waiting in a separate room where VIP's were sent to us (Press), we were taken to the VIP room  for the moment we all were waiting for.  After we set up, security escorted Dr. Maya Angelou out to us for photographs and interviews.  She was wheeled out in a wheelchair but that did not take away from the strength of her presence.  A presence that was so strong, it gave me a feeling of excitement and nervousness at once but I knew to try my best to be natural (referencing how not to be a groupie while working 101).  I noted the gentleman who escorted her out left her side and she was trying to get his attention.  I asked her if she needed something because when Maya Angelou speaks you notice and listen!  She signaled yes and requested the microphone so that she could silence the room.  Stubbornly the tiny thing would not detach from the podium.  She then instructed (because she's Maya Angelou she instructs) me to silence the room.  I asked everyone to "cut the noise for a second", at which point she interjected and said "No not for a second".  I thought, "How silly of me to not say exactly what I mean in front of Dr. Angelou", but immediately corrected myself and asked for silence during the interviews.  Whoa, did I just "open" the floor for Maya Angelou (her name to myself for the 50th time)?! I'm sure no one else took it in to be as deep as I did but hey, to each their own experience. lol.  

Still stuck in time and glowing on the inside at the "introduction", I totally missed her quote of Napoleon which she referenced to express her view on the importance of being very attentive to the press. That was the first time I had ever experienced anyone held to high esteem acknowledge and show such due respect to media.  After, she stated she would take photographs and answer questions. The room fell silent and still.  In that instant I found myself announcing that we should first take photographs and then allow interviewers to ask questions so our flashes didn't pickup on film.  I have no idea where my right to use the conductor's baton came from except for the fact that we could not have the poet of all poets just sitting there looking at us and we at her.  As we snapped photographs of her I said, "Dr. Angelou you look beautiful" and in return, she offered a smile that triggered many flashes in the room.  I guess what is innate never dies even if it sinks below the surface for some time. Apparently I was on a roll! :-)

A friend and journalist Shedonna, ironically similar in name, jumped right in with the first question that initiated the interviews. In my head I was doing a ton of self-talk! I was trying to figure out my next move. "What to say? What do you ask Maya Angelou? Just take the pictures. Maybe I should text and see how close Charlee (the journalist) is? No, that's not even realistic and you knew she wouldn't make it. OMG, I can't let this moment pass by. Ok...I'll let the next person go and then I'll go. Wait, what am I asking again?!" With all the self-talk I was driving myself crazy! I made myself pause for a few seconds (literally this time). Then, voila! I thought, "Maya Angelou...a poet?! I mean the woman is a poet! Wow, the power of a poet!" What happened next? I thought you'd never ask! Through my disclaimer, shaky camera, and the once again noisy room I did it! Check it out...

After I asked my question Dr. Angelou agreed to photographs with a handful of people. I was among the fortunate. I leaned beside her to take the photograph and immediately she told me to "Standup straight!" She said it again in the stern but loving voice of a grandmother. "Standup! Lean on and bow to no one!" I received that wisdom, replied "Amen", and did as told with a smile. We’ll maybe not a smile, an attempted smize. It’s what the multi-talented Supermodel Tyra Banks calls smiling with your eyes.

Initially I had been proud and excited to stand next to Dr. Angelou but against that pride she profoundly demanded that I stand on and be excited by my own merit, so to speak. She demanded that I be as great as I am by standing to my highest potential, owning who I am and the power of my own presence.  In that moment [black] history, as I saw her, directly impacted me and demanded I not be relevant by association.  It demanded I be relevant because I am me. In our photograph we are both beings. Existing with dignity, esteem, confidence, and respect: a photographer and a poet.  

Needless to say, on that day I got the picture!