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Bugbee · 10-11-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rand

When I first moved to California I attended classes at the American Film Institute and worked in the movie business for a couple of years. My highest rank in the film industry was "Transportation Captain" and part of that job was to shuttle "the talent" around. It was kind of fun but not a career choice.

Shortly after I was out shooting with my camera at an event somewhere and met someone who offered to be my agent. He wanted me to take photos for celebrity events. He would get me the credentials, pay all of my expenses, and sell my photos. I made a percentage of each sale. So, I started out shooting a few shoot movie premiers. Then parties such as Vanity Fair, and eventually the Academy Awards. I will tell you that the group of men (and women) that do this for a living can be ruthless. I wasn't, I was just having fun and making a little money. So, I had an "obviously" different approach. When standing in a bank of who knows how many photographers, they would all have their camera up shooting and I would just be standing there looking at the celebrity walking by, who in turn, would look at me because they could see my face. They would often look a little puzzeled at first but I would give them a wink and a smile and they in turn would give me a straight on shot. I got some of the best pictures this way. My agent was always impressed. And in turn, some of the celebs (after a few events) got to know me. They would come out and look around going "where's Rand?" I loved it and the other photographers would just look at me like "who is this guy?"

This method worked so well for me that one night I was backstage at the Academy Awards in the place that was set up for the Oscar winners to come back with their trophy to be photographed. The guys that won the Oscar for "When We Were Kings" (Best Documentary Feature) were standing near me holding their Oscar. I was taking a good long look at it because at the time it was as close as I had ever been to one. The director caught me admiring the trophy and asked if I would like to hold it. He handed it to me and seconds later every photographer in the room was looking at me like I had committed some heinous faux pas. But in reality, they were all very envious. Again, it was like "who is this guy?". A lot of those photographers got to know me that night.

But there wasn't much money to be made when 50 or more other photographers were getting similar shots as yours, so I left that paparazzi game after only a few months. Now I get to walk the red carpet on occasion and some of those same photographers yell "Hey Rand" when I walk by. That always makes me smile.

great story Rand!! I would expect nothing less...