If you follow me on social media you probably know that I’m the theater photographer for Patchogue Theatre of Performing Arts in the Village of Patchogue
Recently, the theater staffers told me that my favorite Saturday Night Live cast member of all-time, Norm MacDonald, would be doing a live show to help launch his new book, called Based on a True Story. As if that were not enough, fellow cast member Robert Smigel would be interviewing him about the book, on the theater stage.The theater had asked me to only shoot the live event, but I had told the theater’s head of PR that it would be great if we can get Norm and Robert for a fast portrait in the newly $1.15 million renovated theater.
I got the green light and I needed to be ready to roll. I arrived an hour early to run some tests and see where I could shoot the portraits. The stage crew helped me by standing in as a model. I had all my lights and cameras set and off to the side — ready to go. Robert had arrived early and was fine with me taking his portrait. I was able to grab a few frames before the show, however Norm he had hit a bunch of traffic coming from NYC and was not able to sit for me.
At the end of the show, fans had lined up around the interior of the building, waiting for their books to be signed. When I saw the line I thought for sure his PR person would say no to photos. Norm himself said yes, emphasizing it would be no problem for him. I wanted to be courteous of his time so once he sat down I had my camera and lights and everything ready to go. I literally shot for 10 seconds and took 4 frames. He would have sat with me longer, but I knew he had at least and hour of signing and a long ride back to New York City.
Below is my final images and a BTS video of the 10 seconds shoot.
