Jackson Hole, Wyoming

I never thought I would get applause!  I truthfully admit it was nice to hear as a child after my first piano recital.  As an adult, unless you are an entertainer, when would you hear it again?  I believe many people secretly wish they could receive audible accolades for  their work and achievements but who applauds the computer techie?  The plumber? The auto repair man?

Visiting the Grand Tetons for the first time this past year, I was anxious to see everything including Teton Village which had a few stores and a Restaurant/Bar named “The Mangy Moose.”  I saw a “New York Pizza” sign and I was heading for the door before Chuck could say, “Hey, wait for me.” 
 

The second floor had a bar and tables filled with the lunch group. The décor was rustic and the featured attraction was a huge, stuffed moose hanging from the vaulted ceiling by chains. Oh, I just had to take a snapshot of this guy. 

The pizza was great; we wolfed it down so we could take off to photograph Grand Tetons scenery.  But first, I went to the third floor for the close shot of “Mangy.” I did my best as time was short, walked down two flights of steps and out the front door.  Chuck was a few feet ahead of me. 

The Village is small so I did not have far to walk to the Jeep but suddenly I was airborne.  Holy Cow!  A very high curb blending into the parking lot was the culprit.   One normal step, the ankle bent, and all I could think about was my Nikon camera.  It had been securely tucked under my left arm like a football.  I was concerned about it and Chuck assured me it was fine. Not satisfied, I begged him to take a photo of me on the ground to show me proof. The EMTs arrived, the hospital emergency room diagnosed a badly sprained ankle, a few stitches in my temple, bandages for knees and I was set to go back to the Four Seasons where Chuck was attending a Photo Seminar with Nikon people.  I was worried about his being late.  A good Samaritan at the scene called the hotel to message them Chuck would be there.

Slinking down into in the wheelchair with crutches on my lap, we entered the hotel lobby where the entire group stood cheering and applauding. I wanted to die.  I never had a serious injury. All came to see my stitches and ankle splint. Then the Nikon Rep proudly said, “You got the shot, saved the Nikon and took one for the Team!”
 

 2006 George Clooney Oscar Winner

A close friend from the East Coast grew up inhaling Hollywood fan magazines when it was a city for movie stars only.  On her first trip to California, she visited Graumann’s Chinese Theater to walk in the footprints of stars embedded in cement forever.  She decided to attend college in California and would visit the Hollywood area during school breaks.  When she met her first ‘movie stars’ she was elated.  She quickly realized these people were like her and only famous because they were in the movies. She became blasé about Hollywood but her Mom living 3000 miles away would often ask, “Have you had a ‘Brush with Greatness’ lately?  This Mom coined a fun phrase that my friend continues to use in jest and passes on to her friends.

Because I love taking photos of people, the ‘Stars’ are interesting because they have the ability to pose at will, if so inclined.  You become the recipient of a rare and great photo in a split second compared to portrait work when a ratio of one good shot out of 50 poses is a good day.  My interest in photographing people was born from the obligatory high school graduation photo to be published in the year book. Herded like sheep to the slaughter, we had only seconds to sit, pose and pray for good results.  Three takes and you were dragged from the chair by a teacher.  I disliked my Senior photo then and I still do.  I am only happy with a photo when my subject is thrilled with the results.

And so, 30+ years later, I had my own “Brush with Greatness” hitting the pit of my stomach when I downloaded one particular photo.  George Clooney.  At the film festival he was hounded by paparazzi as I watched in horror while they snapped photos of him talking, laughing, frowning, mouth open, etc.  The results were unflattering photos showing up in the tabloids. 

I was not a part of that group, but rather alone in back when Mr. C. stopped to take my hand to say hello and I asked sweetly, “George, will you close your mouth and strike a pose?”  He knew exactly what I wanted and he graciously obliged. I had that split second to capture what I can now share with you above.  One take.  Now THAT is a Brush with Greatness. Nirvana!