While wandering the fabulous international photographic exhibit at
Paris Photo last November, I watched as two photographers were snapping photos of this man. Realizing he must be someone of importance, I motioned one of the photographers over and asked who he was. I couldn't understand the name as he had an accent and it was very noisy. He must have seen this and added, "He is ia Magnum photographer." That I understood and so I asked him to repeat the name. "
Elliott Erwitt." I all but screamed. I"m very familiar with his remarkable work and even attended a small Erwitt exhibit at La Hune a few years back. I literally chased this man down. I asked the woman who was with him if I could take a quick photo. She answered, "Yes, make it quick." I did! After, I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Merci, I am so honored." This will always be a favorite Paris memory for me.
I saw the two photographers later and they were happy I got the photo. I told them I didn't think he was so glad to see me but I was thrilled nonetheless.
Erwitt was in Paris for the signing of his just released book of his images of
Cuba taking many years ago.
