"It's not a mystery, it's a job. It's a good job, but it's job."

Annie Leibovitz lecture, Benaroya Hall, 11/19/08

Annie Leibovitz says that she doesn't really have a favorite photo, but that this one of her mother has really grown on her.

This comment defines what, in one short hour, I could surmise about Annie's take on things. She seems to be pragmatic and calm, simple and yet incredibly intelligent - humble given her immense fame and above all, she possesses that little sparkle that haunts every great photographer I have ever met - a little secret behind the eyes that exemplifies her distinct vision.

I first noticed this sparkle when I met Ebet Roberts when I was an official photographer for Farm Aid in 2004 - in a lot of ways I have always pictured Annie to be a lot like Ebet and now that feeling is somewhat confirmed. Both women started out with painting in mind and just fell into rock n' roll photography in the 70's - both women are tall and thin and unassuming - gentle and somewhat soft-spoken with a silver touch to their hair. By default my affection for Ebet has now been transferred to Annie.

Anyway back to her new book.

Listening to Annie read from her book "At Work" and explains some of her groundbreaking photographs was like listening to any photographer-USA talking shop, she's not particularly eloquent or charismatic but she is quite funny and very insightful. In some ways, she is so serious about her work and in others, she's still just an artist playing with blank canvas - she just happens to have access to a canvas with no boundaries.

When she speaks of her famous portrait of President Bush and six members of his administration she says, "I fear this will be the photo I am most remembered for," explaining that she opted not to shoot in the Oval Office because of the distracting technical difficulties presented by the wall of windows behind the desk and also "I don't like the way Bush has it (the oval office) decorated - too many Remingtons" - ha!


In stark contrast, Annie speaks glowingly of her experiences photographing Obama and his family - mentioning the optimism she felt (didn't we all!) She will be at the inauguration, of which she says with a smile, "I want to be in the back to capture the whole scene... I will be spending a lot time in Washington in January..."

In many ways, listening to her speak filled me with the same feelings of hope and pride that are inspired in me by our new President Elect. For a young photographer with big dreams and high expectations, she represents the ultimate promise of greatness.

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In parting, one of my favorite quotes of the evening - Annie speaks of some of her photographs of Olympic athletes:

"They were very pretty... but so what? Sometimes pretty is not enough." -- Annie Leibovitz

------------ all images in this post are by Annie Leibovitz --------------