'The Embarrassing Story' - Limited Edition of 20 Photograph

Long ago, over 50 years now, when offered a photographer job at Associated Press, San Francisco, I was asked by a colleague-to-be, a famous WWII writer from China in 40s to meet with his old friend 'Henry', a photographer. 'Henry' was showing his 'pictures' on San Francisco's Van Ness, I was told and it would be good to meet Henry, 'an old China Hand' The two had worked together in China during the fall of the Nationalists and the rise of Communism. I went to meet Henry, but thete was no Google.com in those days, and I had no idea who 'Henry' was. He was the incomparable Henri Cartier=Bresson. We chatted outside before I saw his photos, and I then (and most of my life) was unaware he'd seen my work. His fiend and former colleague had sent my work to Henri and told me my work 'reminded' him of the work of Henry -- Henri Cartier-Bresson of whom I then had no knowledge. We had an amiable talk prior to my entry to his giant traveling exhibit in San Francisco's De Young, Museum, its largest and most famous. 'Henry' offered me advice that tended to steer me away from becoming a wire service photographer. 'Shoot for yourself,, John, he exhorted me. I felt I got the brush off from a wise man who felt my talents were better elsewhere but not taking photos, unaware he approved of my work. He did not then disclose he'd seen my work, and I only recently learned the truth. With his sage advice I went to AP my first day at work, scheduled that evening and quit the offered job. They made me a writer. I mistook henri Cartier's advice 'shot for yourself' as indicating there was no future in photography for me, regardless of my skills. Instead he had intended to have me develop my native talents because he approved of it, and wanted me uninfluenced by wire service protocol and style. I goofed ,but luckily my writing was successful and made a writing career for me. A famous critic and world photo art award winner saw my work and said 'each photo tells a story' and praised my wok as 'fabulous' He was right.at least about the story telling part.. This photo is emblematic of my best story telling style, I think.and tells an easily recognized story. My take on this image's story is in the caption, but you can have any interpretation you like. My life has been shaped by that meeting with the anonymous Henry whose photos I saw after we parted with me entering the museum where I fell in love with his work. That love continues to this day. john

Photography:Color on Paper

Artist Produced Limited Edition of:20

Size:40 W x 26.7 H x 0.1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.