I just had a memorable photo shoot with Jonathan Cruz. People assume that it wouldn’t be a big deal for me because I spend an hour and a half every day in front of a tv camera anchoring the news, This is not the case. I feel much more self-conscious being the subject of a still photographer.
I was paired up with Jonathan by Bob Mercer, the editor of Vancouver Lifestyles Magazine (VLM), for a piece entitled MY VANCOUVER. It’s a brief look at my favorite things about the city, and my thoughts and concerns about Vancouver’s future.
I had met Jonathan a few years ago when he photographed me and others at the Women’s Media Golf Classic. I must stress that I only golf once a year, but Jonathan’s shots made me look like a pro! We also teamed up for a fundraiser for Ja Pace, a beautiful young woman afflicted with a rare blood disorder, in need of a non-donor transplant only available in Rome.
I was impressed with the warmth and compassion demonstrated by Jonathan at the time. He put together a gorgeous calendar of Ja and her salsa dancing friends that was sold to raise funds for her cause. He also softly coaxed a generous donation out of Michael Buble. (actually, from what I understand, there was no need for coaxing… he just told Michael about Ja’s story and he was naturally compelled to contribute.) Jonathan has that effect on people. He has a wonderful ability to put his subjects at ease and bring out the best in them.
That’s what made this most recent shoot so much fun. I had chosen the Burrard St. Bridge and “Go Fish” on the Seawall as two of my favorite places in Vancouver. We walked along the bridge on a cool, sunny fall day… chatting and trying not to get too ‘posy’ with the shots. It was fun and easy and I often forgot he even had a camera in his hands.
From there, a yummy lunch (halibut and chips and spicy Salmon taquitos) at Go Fish. Again, I was oblivious to the camera.
It was a totally win-win day. I got to spend the afternoon with a wonderful man with a big heart, and I was thrilled with the photographs. Thank you Jonathan!