On the night of our encounter for this portrait session, I arrived at the Occulus next to the World Trade Center Memorial in New York. As we spoke on the phone to arrange were we would find each other I was able to notice Hamilton among the crowd in the center of the building. I was on the second floor Balcony. Of course this quote from Nadar comes up in my search, and I believe it fits perfectly.

Penny and I just became close friends. I have usually been great with kids in the past, but Penny has been the first person to ever invite me to a tea party. A lot of important people were there, including princesses from many different kingdoms. I am a lucky guy.

Amazing how I learned more about Alex in a single 5 minute sitting as I took his portrait than in any previous encounter. When you learn to observe and find that moment that is neither flattering or unflaterring, but that is just “them”, then you can begin to see who people are.

©Felix Nadar – Victor Hugo
“The portrait I do best is of the person I know best. – Nadar“

I know Cesar from somewhere near the time I was born, but he was never on the other end of my lens until we set up this shoot at his Brooklyn apartment. The quote explains the rest

In my darkest days in recent years, right before I tossed my camera, lens and all, I met two people that flew down like veritable angels. Christopher was one of those two people. Friend, spiritual counselor, video game sparring partner, and just an overall troll. Happy to call him one of my own.