The Magic Man

At first glance, you might not know you were looking at an upscale, professional, New York fashion photographer.

He is tall and thin as a matchstick with shiny, perfectly straight 60's hair that flows halfway down his back. He wears a plain, faded tee shirt, bleached out jeans frayed at the cuffs and knees, and Nikes that have seen far better and younger days. Cameras are hung around his neck and over both shoulders and he pulls a worn out suitcase filled with additional lenses, a laptop, and a change of clothes. He smiles shyly and when he speaks it's in broken English with a heavy German accent and while he often has to search for the right word or phrase, he has no trouble being understood. He speaks with his hands and his eyes and the images he captures. Despite his appearance, when you watch him work, it's like watching a magician and you see his gift at once.

The morning is sunny and a little cool for this time of year and he begins immediately. The young, would-be models are anywhere from 6 to 16, self conscious and tightly wound, for many this is their first photo shoot and they are nervous, anxious, and intimidated. They have been dressed and styled and made up, firmly separated from their curious and sometimes interfering parents, many have been awake since dawn and are hungry and fluttery and uncertain. They are coaxed and encouraged, complimented and cajoled, supported and scolded. They are children in a brisk and demanding adult world and they keep their eyes on the ground and their smiles hidden. They feel the pressure of performing and some dig in with a sudden change of heart, tears well up and they want only to go home and back to their playground. Others posture and preen with a self centered pride and confidence, unwilling to take direction or accept instruction. Still others are just having fun. It becomes a circus, an assembly line, organized chaos. And then they reach the young man with long hair and bluejeans and everything changes.

He works quickly and effortlessly, moving with a fast paced grace and agility but always speaking to them with kindness and charm, making small adjustments here and there, changing a pose when needed, checking the light, smiling, and at the last minute, gently adjusting a stray strand of hair from a blushing cheek. Under his spell, they come alive, forgetting their fears and awkwardness, forgetting the camera. Their laughter is genuine, their smiles natural and easy. They have made an unexpected friend and some have even fallen in love. They run for the next wardrobe change and makeup session, enchanted and eager to continue, they could do this all day.

All it takes is a little kindness, a little bravery, a little magic.