I will post this one picture, and then get back to more recent photographs. In May of 1974 I had an assignment to photograph Salvador Dali. He was onboard the SS France, about to set sail from the west side of Manhattan, for Europe. The writer and I were ushered into a stateroom, which turned out to be packed with people. Oh man, what a place to have to set up a strobe light and photograph. It had the feel of a circus, but Dali appeared to be having fun, with all the attention. I have photographed a lot of celebrities, but I was in disbelief that I was in the presence of Salvador Dali! We all know his painting "The Persistence of Memory" which some call "The Melting Watches." I remember how I was moved when I saw that painting for the first time at the Museum of Modern Art on a high school class trip, and here I was years later crouching at the master's feet photographing him! Sometimes life can be amazing.
2 comments:
I remember this photo and your assignment to photograph Salvador Dali. This is truly an amazing shot. The lighting of his face and hand is perfect against the dark background. Your photo brings out the creative personality of this great artist. Very, very cool photo! Did he ever get to see the finished product?
Jas: Good question. Since he wasn't living in the US, I am not sure the writer sent him a copy of the interview. I do know that the agencies who manage famous people use clipping services, that track down articles with the subject's name in them. Who knows if he did that.
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