|
HIZZONER
Everyone knows Hizzoner Ed Koch. He's the ubiquitous former Mayor of
New York City. He has made national headlines and has been the subject
of many a tv news story. His elfin face with balding head is an icon that
is recognized worldwide. Since leaving office he has written columns for
the NY Post and starred as a tv judge along with Judy and Wapner and the
like.
He is going to do a column for Newsday starting this Friday, and he was
in the building talking with our Viewpoints Editors. My Photo Editor called
me in from the field to set up our studio to shoot some promo pictures.
When I was ready, I walked down to the Viewpoints office to get the man,
otherwise the editorial writers would keep pumping him for some insight
into NY City politics and then he would be pressed for time and I would
get short shrift.
|
I keep my lighting very simple, these days, using the big hazy
light up real close as the main light source, and a white foam board
on the opposite side as a reflected fill. Koch is even more bald
than I, so I would use no top or hair light, but I did throw a wide
light on the white wall behind him to get some gradation in the
background. I didn't plan it this way, but when Koch sat in place,
I noticed some spill from the background light highlighting his
right cheek and it gave an interesting modeling effect, so I left
in that way. And, that was it. Two lights and a reflected fill.
|
© 1999 Newsday Photo by Dick Kraus
|
Hizzoner is an imposing man. I had photographed him at City Hall on several
occasions but this was the first time I had actually stood alongside of
him. I am six feet three inches tall and we looked each other eye to eye.
I probably have 20 pounds on him, but this wasn't supposed to be a wrestling
match. I did, however, want to establish the pecking order in this brief
relationship so I repeated one of my favorite stories to him as I adjusted
the lights.
It was a story that I heard George Thames tell about his experience as
the NY Times' White House Photographer.
| It was during the Truman Administration. Harry Truman
had inherited the White House job when Franklin Delano Roosevelt died,
just before the end of World War II. Shortly after the war, Truman
was escorting a group of highly placed foreign dignitaries around
the White House. The White House Press Corps had been given the word
that a "Photo Op" was available in the Rose Garden. Everyone cleared
out of the Press Room and hastened out there to claim a good spot.
As promised, Harry led the visitors out the double French Doors into
the lovely garden. Things were a lot more relaxed and informal in
those days. People weren't trying to assassinate world leaders as
much in the '40's as they did later on. So, there were photographers
perched on the cement wall at the back of the garden. Some were hanging
out of trees and all of them greeted the President as soon as he stepped
into view with, "Look over here, Mr. President." Give us a wave, Mr.
President." Smile at your guests, Mr. President." This way, PLEASE,
Mr. President." |
© 1999 Newsday Photo by Dick Kraus |
|
Truman smiled. He waved. He looked this way. And then he looked
that way. George Thames had a position closest to the President
and overheard him say this to his guests;
"Here I am. The most powerful man in the most powerful country
in the world. And yet, isn't it ironic that I must take orders from
all of these news photographers." I don't know if Hizzoner was impressed
with my recounting of that story. But, I will say that he was one
of the most pleasant people that I have ever photographed. He gracefully
took every suggestion that I tendered. I was tempted to ask him,
"How'm I doin?" But, I didn't.
|
© 1999 Newsday Photo by Dick Kraus
|
|
