•••••• THE OPERA SINGER •
Once I relocated my studio from Palo Alto to San Francisco, the nature and scope of the projects I was given began to evolve. From local assignments for nearby companies, to opportunities with national and even international clients. The shift was both exciting and affirming,
One particularly assignment involved photographing portraits for the New York Opera. As it happened, one of their principal singers was residing in San Francisco at the time, which made the collaboration especially convenient. The shots was basic, on a white background. But she was an extraordinary woma. Gracious, charismatic, and immensely talented. We connected effortlessly from the moment we met. Our rapport was so natural, in fact, that she later invited her partner to visit the studio and join the session.
Her partner, as it turned out, was equally impressive. An accomplished musician who served as the conductor of the Stanford Orchestra. The three of us quickly fell into an easy rhythm. The session became as much about laughter and camaraderie as it was about creating compelling images. At one point, in a playful reversal of roles, they even took a Polaroid portrait of me. Something that rarely happens.
The experience didn’t end at the studio. In a gesture of remarkable generosity, the singer offered to perform at my upcoming wedding. It was an extraordinary gift. It transformed the ceremony into something truly unforgettable.
If you’ve attended enough weddings, you may recognize the familiar scenario: a well-meaning relative steps forward to sing, often with more enthusiasm than technical precision. There’s usually a moment or two where the high notes cause the audience to collectively brace themselves. But this was an entirely different experience. Every note she sang was flawless. Clear, powerful, and exquisitely controlled. It was, quite simply, a world-class performance, the kind you would expect from a leading artist of the New York Opera.
After the ceremony, guests approached me again and again to comment on her extraordinary voice. I couldn’t help but smile and think, “Well, of course.” What they had witnessed was not just a kind favor, it was a professional performance of the highest caliber, generously offered.
And then there was the most unexpected twist of all.
Sometime later, I learned that there had been a deeper motive behind that studio visit of her partner, and the Polaroid. As it turns out, the two of them were considering starting a family and, apparently, I met certain criteria as a potential donor. While I didn’t make the final selection, I have to admit, being considered at all felt like a rather unique and flattering distinction. Totally unique actually.
In the end, I walked away with more than just a memorable photo shoot and an unforgettable wedding performance. I gained a story. One that still makes me laugh. And certainly one of the most unusual compliments I’ve ever received.
