How, I wondered, would I capture the story that has spanned such a humongous span of time. How, I wondered, would I begin to see the emotions evoked by honoring such a stupendous achievement. How, I wondered, would I truly do justice to capturing the depth of something so simple, yet so inspiring - a man coming to work, like he did each day.... except that this 'each day' was his 105th year, or 'seen' differently his 38,325th day!!!
As a photographer, I want to 'see'.
What is it that I am shooting? Is it a person? It is a place? It is an occupation? Is it an occurence? It is a perspective? It is an emotion? If I don't 'see' it first, I can't reveal it through my lens
The image used by MSN, was one that reflected the pure joy in Anthony's eyes, of seeing his family and friends, and being recognized and given love on this special day.
Just another ordinary day, doing just another ordinary hair cut! Perhaps, what I saw - and was amazed by, was the satisfaction and joy Anthony got in living each day, being productive, and bringing happiness to the people he interacted with. Suddenly, the mundane became magical. And in that magic, I realized, lay the essence of Anthony's joy. It was not the act of cutting hair which I was seeing through my lens, it was the way in which he touched the lives of those sitting in his chair.
The sheer joy in meeting people who mattered to him, and whom he mattered to, is something me and my lens were thrilled to witness!
How does a man, who has seen 55,188,000 minutes, 'see' time? On this special day, what thoughts and memories must be going through his mind? As I watched Anthony through my lens, as he spoke to people, gave interviews, I witnessed a perfectly still moment that was amazing...
As I shot, I found myself smiling behind my camera. There, right before me, I caught a glimpse of a dashing young Anthony. I want you to see him with me.
And amidst all that celebration, laughter, and happiness, just for 1/200th of a second, I saw...
I salute a great man, who, in his humble way, revealed to me what passion for life is... as he sat in his chair, like a king
It was my honor and privilege to have this opportunity to shoot for Gillette / Ketchum, a barber in New York, that will surely make me look at time differently.