I discovered halfway through our class' senior year that I needed glasses. This wouldn't seem significant, ordinarily, but my ambition was to be a fighter pilot. All those math and science courses, the whole college thing, were aimed toward that goal. Now I needed a new goal, so I decided to become an architect...maybe. (I also found out why (my father still likes to point out) I couldn't hit a fastball.)
I went to SUNY Farmingdale for a year because it was close by and I could commute. From there, after a year in Building Construction, I went to Pratt Institute and did study Architecture for two years, during which time I worked as a draftsman for a number of very talented architects, but they were very frustrated and alcoholic men. Getting a good building built in the early sixties seemed near impossible. I decided to change majors to a smaller venue, Industrial Design. After a year of Foundation Art I did study industrial design for a year but during that year became impassioned with Photography. One course did it. The next year as I continued I.D. I heard about a job as an assistant to a well-known German photographer. I applied, got the job, quit school, and learned the craft as an apprentice. A friend suggested I take my work to The New York Times. In those days you could actually get to see a picture editor. The Times editor gave me an unofficial assignment saying if it never ran that they wouldn't be responsible to me. The piece did run, an article about "Teeny-Boppers" in NYC. My picture ran full-page in the Times Magazine and ever since then I've been in the photography business.
In 1970, after four years as staff photographer at Young & Rubicam, a big multi-national Madison Avenue ad agency, I opened my own studio on East 20th Street, directly across the street from Teddy Roosevelt's childhood home ' a national historic site. For 23 years I had my studio there. Thanks to the skills and connections I made at Y&R, I had a steady supply of clients. My assignments have taken me to lots of amazing places and given me loads of adventures. I've shot almost 3000 national ads, mostly for Fortune 500 companies, movie posters, book covers, annual reports and campaigns. I've collaborated with wonderful, creative, funny, intelligent art directors and designers, which has been a real joy and privilege. The people I've photographed have been famous, infamous, and ordinary, and they were all, in their own way, extraordinary.
Lots of other great stuff happened, too! You know, marriages, wild early '70s shenanigans, awards, shows, etc.
Recently, I photographed a book about beer - good beer. That is to say, European beers made in England, Belgium, France, and Germany. We missed Ireland and the Czech Republic because of weather and time issues. The book is called, "The Brewmaster's Table" by Garrett Oliver. It's a very good read. He's an entertaining writer. The pictures aren't bad, either. (Amazon.com)
I didn't really need it, but three years ago I got my Bachelor's Degree from Empire State College, A SUNY College for those of us with prior college credits, plus they give you credit for your working Life Experience.
For the past 12 years, along with assignments, I teach photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and NYU. I'm an adjunct assistant professor.
Currently I'm working on a new web site and also working on several books of my own work - one with a definitive theme, the other a compilation of my work other than commercial - my personal work. I continue to love my work, my family and friends, some of whom, like 1960 classmates Henry Landau, I have known and respected since kindergarten, and Phil Schiavone (6th grade) who has been the best friend a man could ever have. Both of these men should be in the HHS Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, because I have to be in Seattle on the day of the Class Reunion, I won't be there to see you and hear your stories in person.
Have a great time! I send my regards to you all.
