Even my Kamera hates Khloe

I was all set to head to the Today Show this morning, hoping to catch Christopher Walken, when Marie texted to tell me GMA had unannounced guests Jude Law and Tim Allen, along with Khloe Kardashian.  Now as anyone who I'm friends with on Facebook knows, Khloe's wooden hosting skills and tragic fashion choices were the best part of The X-Factor this year.  Morbid curiousity got the best of me, and coupled with a three to one ration, I headed to Times Square.

I arrived too late for Jude and Tim, who were already inside, but just in time for Khloe, who arrived shortly after I did.  Getting out on the driver's side, she had to walk around the back of the SUV to enter the studio, which should have given me plenty of time to snap a few shots.  But my camera, rejecting Khloe, refused to focus.

With all inside, it was off to the window, where I waited through some stupid 47 layer Super Bowl dip segment before Tim Allen took his seat across the studio.  I was able to snap a few shots before this lady cop I've never seen before demanded that we all move away from the window.  I guess she's never been to GMA before, because people ALWAYS stand in the window.  That's just part of the show.  But no, she kep demanding that we move, telling us we could not stand there and had to move.  RJ, Roger and I were hesitant to move, as this was totally absurd, but she refused to back down.  RJ got her threats on camera and is going to report her.  Sorry girl, but it's a public sidewalk and we're not blocking anyone from getting anywhere, so you're wrong and we'll be back.  Bitch.

Heading back to the barricade, I took a spot behind a grapherazzi and right next to the girl photographer that I hadn't seen in awhile.  I must ask her name next time, because she's pretty cool and we share the same warped sense of humor.  First out was Tim Allen, who signed a million autographs and was very friendly.

Jude Law exited next, signing a few autographs as well.  I'm surprised, because I've heard he's difficult, but he couldn't have been nicer today.

Not long after, Khloe came out, posed briefly on one side and then the other, before getting into her SUV.  And again my camera rejected her.

BEST CAMERA EVER!

As it turns out, Christopher Walken wasn't on the Today Show this morning, so it was the right decision after all.

Life is a cabaret, old chum! - Liza Minelli, Joel Grey, Michael York, Marisa Berenson and the curious case of Quentin Crisp

Today was supposed to be epic - Liza Minelli, Joel Grey, Michael York and Marisa Berenson reuniting on the Today Show in honor of the 40th anniversary of their film 'Cabaret'.  Oh, and Michael Bolton too.  And in a weirdly comic way, it was epic.

I gave myself some extra time this morning, jumping on the F train around 7:15.  When I got to Rockefeller Center, Marie was already there and told me that everyone was already in.  I could hear one of the paparazzi, Derek, complaining, but sometimes it happens and you just deal with it and hope to catch them coming out. 

The Today Show setup is pretty awful.  The main guest entrance is on West 48th street, with a long covered corridor leading to the glass doors, and another corridor behind that.  Since it's private property, security will ask you to move if you're standing in the corridor, so everyone has to congregate on the sidewalk, dodging people on their way to work and tourists asking 'Who are you waiting for?' when they see a bunch of people hanging around with cameras.  Thankfully, there's plenty of time to get ready when a celebrity is leaving because the glass doors allow you to see the celebrity as soon as they round the corner into the corridor.

I'm not sure what kept me on the sidewalk rather than going around the corner to the Rockefeller Plaza window or leaving for work, but I waited a little while and I'm glad I did because just after 8:00 AM a car pulled up and Marisa Berenson stepped out.  Marisa is an actress, model and socialite, a 70's version of Paris Hilton, but with class.  Extremely gracious even though running late, she signed autographs and posed for a few pictures before heading inside.  Knowing they had all arrived and that they were staying into the fourth hour with Kathy Lee and Hoda, I headed to work.

Around 10AM I took my lunch break and headed back over to catch them coming out.  The crowd in the plaza is much smaller in the Kathy Lee/Hoda hour, so I was ble to see through the studio window.  Around 10:30 the segment started, the four seated on the sofa in the far corner, clearly visible, although photos from that distance would be grainy through the glass.  The paparazzi hovered around the lobby window, RJ on one side, Roger over my shoulder, Derek around the corner, all waiting for the segment to end, scoping the exits to see which way they'd leave.

And then it happened.  This older queen, in all her Quentin Crisp finery, came over, asking if Liza had left yet.  I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, because of course he was a Liza fan, and of course he was asking me.  I guess his gaydar still works.  As we watched through the window, Joel, Michael and Marisa entered the lobby, heading downstairs to the green room, Marisa pausing long enough to come and kiss the window.  This woman is everything!!  And before I knew it, Quentin Crisp was marching himself downstairs with the group, asking for autographs!  And he got them!!  You go Miss Thing!!!  I didn't see Liza come out, but she must have taken the elevator because with those hips there's no way she's getting down that long flight of stairs unnoticed.

There is a place at the window where you can stand and see down into the green room, which is really just a poorly curtained off area where people can leave their jackets.  I know there's a more comfortable green room somewhere, though I don't know whey they didn't use it today.  From this vantage point we could see Michael York putting his jacket on, and Joel Grey wiping his makeup off in the dressing table mirror, which would have been a fabulous picture if he'd been standing slightly to the right so his face was reflected into the mirror from our angle.  And then Michael Bolton, who I'd completely forgotten about, headed downstairs, and Miss Thing marched herself downstairs again and got his autograph too.  I don't know who this ballsy old queen is, but he is my new hero!

Peering down, we could see them milling around, jackets on and ready to leave.  Depending on whether they ascended the stairs or kept walking, we could also tell whether they'd leave through the garage or the 48th street entrance.  So when they three climbed the stairs and turned toward the corridor, I found myself running around the corner, hoping to meet the them at the 48th street exit.  Note to self: they are three senior citizens, you do not need to run.  And there is no graceful way to run in Rockefeller Plaza in work clothes.  Don't do it.

Confirming my thoughts that the older generation of celebrities are more gracious than the younger ones, Joel, Marisa and Michael emerged together, happily signing autographs, posing for pictures and answering questions before heading off.  No sign of Liza, who definitely left through the garage, but Melanie Fiona came out, and one lone person asked for an autograph before we all started taking pictures, not sure who she was until afterward.  And Michael Bolton kept me waiting much longer than I expected before I had to get back to work.  Sorry Michael, I'm not losing my job to take your picture.

 Marisa Berenson

Joel Grey

Michael York

Melanie Fiona

Yo Adrian! It's Sylvester Stallone

I saw the listing on the Good Morning America website - One on one with Sylvester Stallone!  Figuring it was a pretaped segment from some hotel room somewhere in the city, I planned to head over to the Today Show to try and catch Melissa McCarthy from 'Bridesmaids'.  But when Marie texted me this morning to tell me they expected Stallone live I had to get down there.  Not too many people at the barricades when I arrived, and I squeezed my way up to the front next to Marie.  Pretty good timing I guess, because soon the grapherazzi arrived, surrounding us from behind. 

No more than twenty minutes later, Stallone arrived, and the madness began.  Pictures on styrofoam bards appeared over my head and both shoulders, like some kind of Octopus reaching out for an autograph or eight.  I kept shotting as I nudged arms out of the way to get a clear shot of Sly, who happily signed before heading inside.  I'm detecting a trend here...the old school celebrities are much more gracious to their fans than the younger ones. 

With plenty of time before work, I headed over to Today, hoping to catch Melissa McCarthy leaving the studio.  Rick was there, hoping to see her as well, but we had no luck...she garaged it.  We did get to see Al Gore exit the studio (and get into a hybrid SUV!) but my camera is still playing games with me so I didn't get any clear shots.  Tommy Mattola was also there, but I have no idea what he looks like and I was hungry, so I went to get breakfast and get to work on time.

Angela Bassett!!!!

Some days life hands you pleasant surprises, as was the case today at Good Morning America.  I headed to Times Square thinking Seth McFarlane was cohosting the 8:00 hour, which is what I thought I heard last week.  I must have the day wrong, because when I arrived he wasn't there, but Lara Spencer was announcing 'After the break, Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett are here to discuss their new Lifetime movie, 'Betty and Coretta.'"  And there she was, looking STUNNING in a leather mini dress.....Angela Bassett!  Tina Turner herself!  I have been blown away by her since 'What's Love Got to Do With It?' in 1993, and couldn't believe my luck!  Mary J. Blige was there too, but I've shot her before, so that really didn't matter to me as much as Angela Bassett!!!  Let me just tell you, she may play strong powerhouse characters, but in person she is tiny!  I didn't really pay much attention to the interview because I had a clear shot of the couch and was focused on taking pictures.  Here's my favorite of the bunch.  She is GORGEOUS!!!

Sharon Osbourne at Good Morning America

Today was an easy, but interesting day.  I had a leisurely morning, having coffee and breakfast before leaving  the house around 8am.  Just missed the train when I got to the station, and when another finally came it took forever at each stop, so I really wasn't sure if I'd catch anyone this morning.  But luckily it wasn't a problem, and when I arrived at GMA, Sharon Osbourne was just going on.  To be honest, I'm not even sure what she was talking about, although the candle that Howard Stern gave her for Christmas that subsequently caught her house on fire was brought up.  That Howard Stern is a trouble maker!  HA!

There weren't many people at the show at all, and the producer had a hard time rounding up fans outside to be part of the live shot outside on Times Square.  Only a couple paparazzi were there....the skinny redheaded jewish guy and Chuck, who I met at the Today Show waiting for Sarah, Duchess of York.  I was able to get a few shots through the window before the cameras got in the way and  the segment began.  Once it was over I raced to the east side of the barricade, which really wasn't necessary today because there were exactly six people there.   Me, Chuck, the jewish guy, Miguel from Portugal and two tourists who wouldn't shut up.  There was a new security guy at the door, and he and Chuck got into a pissing match about where  he could and could not stand to take pictures.  Neither wanted to back down or let the other have the last word, and it was really pretty immature and unprofessional of Chuck to even push back the way he did when it wasn't crowded and moving half a foot inside the barrier to keep the sidewalk clear wasn't going to keep him from getting the shot.  Silly, stupid egos.  Since I was right at the door, once things calmed down I started chit chatting with the security guy.  It's always best to be friendly with  security and the drivers...they're just doing there job, and when the celebrity is finally ready to come out they will often nod or wink to give you the nonverbal heads up to get ready.  I'd rather have them on my side than not.  So when the security guy nodded, I was ready.  Unfortunately, so was Sharon, dressed in a faux fur trimmed parka that made her look like Nanook of the north.  No luck with a picture on the way out, but here's the shot through the window.

Rain Man? More like Snow Man! - Dustin Hoffman, Jason Statham, Michael Strahan and Zac Posen on a freezing cold day

My ensemble today, courtesy of The Weather Channel, featured two pairs of socks, longjohns under my pants, a turtleneck and a cashmere sweater, heavy wool coat, scarf, hat and gloves.  Needless to say, it's fucking cold in NY today!  But not even the bitter chill could keep me from seeing the legendary Dustin Hoffman at GMA this morning, along with Michael Strahan, Zac Posen, Tim Gunn and Jason Statham. 

RJ was already in the window when I arrived, and there weren't too many fans this morning, probably due to the weather.  Rick, another of the regulars who takes Polaroids of the celebrities so he can have them signed on the spot (very cool idea, but A LOT harder if you think about it) said that Dustin was cool going in and signed up one side of the barricades and down the other.  VERY COOL!

Michael Strahan was up first, talking about his morning routine, giving his Super Bowl predictions and singing tone-deaf karaoke for some reason before heading uptown to cohost his own show with Kelly Ripa.

After the commercial break it was Dustin Hoffman's turn to promote his directorial debut in the new film 'Quartet.'  Producers prepping a fashion segment made getting a clean shot tough, but I managed to snap a few before heading to the barricades, hoping to catch him on the way out.

A few diehard grapherazzi at the east barricade, so I took my place on the west barricade where a lone paparazzi waited.

By this point my toes were already frozen, but thankfully after about 15 minutes the guests started to exit.  Jason Statham came out first, signing a few autographs.  He must have been freezing in his sport coat, no hat or gloves.  I know I was!

Dustin Hoffman left next, but didn't sign, claiming he was running late for another appointment.

Zac Posen was the next to exit, walking straight to his SUV while nobody cared.  I called out 'good morning Zac' and he turned with a smile.  I'm guessing he designed his own coat, and I MUST have one!  The picture from  inside is better though.

Shortly after, Tim Gunn emerged and took his time signing almost everything the grapherazzi had for him.  Not sure how his hands weren't numb, but what a gentleman!  Unfortunately, no close shot of anything but the back of his head, so here's one of he and Zac inside the studio. Thank God there's nobody interesting scheduled until Friday, because it's gonna take that long for my feet to thaw out!

Jennifer Lopez - still Jenny, but that's a hell of a block!

A good indication of how well a morning show is doing is the number of paparazzi waiting for a guest to arrive.  Judging by the size of the crowd, GMA knocked it out of the park this morning.  When I arrived, a little before 8 AM, there was nobody in the window.  Rounding the corner toward the barricades, I could see a throng of people, four deep maybe, paparazzi on step stools, flashbulbs going off in all directions.  Pure chaos.  Jennifer Lopez had just arrived.

While I'm not a huge fan of  JLo's music, she has one song, 'Alive' that always reminds me of my friend Andy back when I lived in LA.  The two of us in his pickup riding down Fountain on the way to some club, ready for a night to remember although neither of us ever could the next day.  Since I knew I couldn't get a clear shot at the barricades, I rushed back to the window and staked my claim, a few fans in front of me, but still a clear sight line to the chairs being set up for her interview.  Some days the interview is conducted right in the window, which means the celebrity's back is to you and you only get a side or rear view unless they turn around.  Other days, the chairs are set up across the studio facing the windows.  Those are the days you're grateful for, and today was one of those days.

No sooner did I claim my spot then the fans and paparazzi descended.  Stools and ladders all around me, we're sandwiched together, each fighting for the clear shot.  Bodies moving, people bumping each other, cellphones getting in the way (Boy do I hate the fans with the cellphones...obstacles really), cameras blocking cameras, paparazzi I'd never seen before.  I've got a paparazzi on a stool behind me pushing me toward the guy in front of me, who's standing his ground and pushing me back against the guy on the stool, who is complaining that the camera weighs five pounds and I'm leaning back against him when I can't really even move.  And through the glass, producers, makeup artists, publicists, everyone getting in the way of the clear shot.  Pandemonium for a two segment interview.

After the second segment, it was back to the barricade.  Paparazzi on top of paparazzi on top of fans, tourists getting in the way on the sidewalk, security trying to keep control.  And there's Allie on the sidewalk arguing with one of the security guys, Walter I think his name is, about how it's not fair that she can't stand on the sidewalk and how she needs her picture signed and how this is all bullshit.

And then Jennifer comes out and all hell breaks loose.  Flashbulbs all over the place, fans calling out, security trying to keep order.   She signed a few autographs and possibly posed with a few fans, but I couldn't see anything but Allie crying about how unfair it was that she couldn't be up front and I should have taken  a picture of that!  As Jennifer got into the SUV and it started to leave, Allie ran to the passenger side window in one last pathetic attempt to get an autograph.  No luck.  The SUV sped off.

Of the 675 shots I snapped off, here's my favorite.  This one's for you Skandy!

Valerie Harper is a doll! Plus Taye Diggs and Drew Barrymore!

While most of the country was settling in to watch the inauguration, I was up early this morning intent on getting an autograph.  Valerie Harper's to be exact.  Ms. Harper was supposed to be on GMA last week, but a brief hospitalization forced her to reschedule for today, along with Drew Barrymore and Taye Diggs.  Hoping to get lucky, I brought the memoir she was promoting along with the picture of us together.

I got to the barricade early, and there were a few paparazzi on the west side and two autographers on the east side.  When you want an autograph, it's always best to stand with the other autographers, because if someone starts signing on one side of the barricade it's unlikely they'll sign on the other.  I took my place at the barricade, closest to the stage door, figuring if Drew or Taye arrived I'd have enough time to snap a shot even if they kept walking.  Rudy, the crossed eyed guy who sells autographs online asked if I would help him get Drew's signature on a photo, and before I could catch myself I said yes.  Great, now I have one extra thing to hold onto, along with the book in my hand, the camera in my pocket and the bag over my shoulder.

A few more autographers arrived, including a guy whose name I can't remember but who always has a bag full of photos and always seems to know where and when someone  will be somewhere.  He took his place beside me and we starting chatting to pass the time. Turns out he's been doing this for 15 years, and has prety much met them all.  He told me Drew is tough to get, and has a horrible driver/bodyguard that cock blocks whenever he can.  The general consensus was that Drew is a bitch and this would not be easy. 

At 7:30 the first car pulled up.  Book and sharpie in one hand, camera in the other, I waited for the door to open.  And when it did, out stepped Valerie Harper!  The paparazzi calling from one side, the autographers calling from the other, I'm sure she was a bit surprised.  I reached my book out to her, asking if she'd sign.  She said she had to get inside and couldn't right then, and when I asked if she'd sign on the way out (I don't know why that automatically came out of my mouth, but it did.) she took a moment to consider the question before replying 'Yes, sure I will.'  The door closed behind her, and I put my book back in my bag, preparing myself for Drew's arrival.  (I'm still going to get a picture first, and then try for the autograph if possible.) 

And then the most curious, wonderful thing happened.  Valerie Harper came back outside to sign my book!  She said they didn't need her just yet, and she'd be happy to sign.  I was stunned!  People don't do that.  They  go inside and stay inside, and sometimes they say they'll sign  on the way out and do, and sometimes they blow you off.  But never do they come back outside just to sign.  I grabbed my book, and she was thrilled that I bought it.  I showed her the photo of the two of us together and she immediately knew where it was taken and asked how I'd like it made out.  She also signed my book, before going back inside.  I'm not sure what the other autographers were thinking, but I was floating on air.  Such a sweet lady!!!

Tony and Allie arrived - Tony wanting Taye's autograph and Allie expecting that Drew was going to stop, pose with her, and sign a photo.  The girl is unreal, and keeps talking talking talking random stream of consciousness thoughts even when nobody is listening.  Taye arrived next, and of course Tony wasn't ready and missed the opportunity to get his autograph, even when he hesitated for a second before going in.

Ten or fifteen minutes may not seem like a long time, but it feels like forever when you're standing around waiting for someone to arrive.  And it IS forever when you're freezing, which is what I was by the time Drew arrived.  My fingers and toes numb, I wasn't able to snap a shot as she walked right in, although Tony and Ally swore she said she'd sign on the way out.  I didn't hear it, but I didn't care either.  Just wanna get a pic.  Rudy asked if I was staying until she left, and I seized the moment and told him I was going to check the window but I'd be back to help him if he'd hold my spot, which of course never happens. 

I guess the reason Drew bolted in was because she was running really late, and her segment was up next.  Not too many people in the window, and I was able to get a few clean shots quickly as she pitched her new cosmetics line because I guess when your father-in-law is the former head of Chanel you are automatically a cosmetics mogul.  After her segment, I headed back to the barricades, hoping to get a shot of Drew leaving.  The east side was full and paparazzi spilled onto the sidewalk and curb, but the west barricade was empty, except for one female paparazzi that I haven't seen in awhile, so I joined her.  Rudy looked at me like I was deserting  him, and I guess in a way I was, but there was no way anyone was going to let me back in the front of the barricade, especially Allie, who took my spot, babbling on and on about how cold she was and how her picture of Drew was so dark and how it was so unfair.  The photographer next to me could believe how silly this girl was acting.  Even  the tourists behind us were laughing, and we couldn't wait to see the disappointment when Drew ignored her on the way out. It sound horrible, but it's true.

After a few false starts, the door opening and publicists or stylists coming out, the paparazzi cameras going up and quickly down again, out came  Drew.  Walking directly to the van, she looked as though she was the only one there when a strange thing happened.  I'm not sure how, even now, but she turned around, walked over to Allie, and signed her damn photo.  And then the guy who's name I forgot.  And then Rudy and Tony.  Paparazzi flashbulbs going crazy.  The photographer next to me called out to her as she turned toward the van, and Drew gave us a quick wave as she got into the van.  Sadly, the shots were a little too bright from all the flashbulbs going off, and I don't know photoshop too well, so I have to settle for the shot through the window.

Charlie Sheen - Tiger Blood, Adonis DNA and my poor back

Got home from the gym yesterday morning with a horrible tightness in my lower back.  Rather than rush around to get to the Today Show for Mark Wahlberg, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, I sat with the heating pad, leisurely having my coffee before heading into work.  Turns out that was a bad idea (the heat, not avoiding the Kardashians) because my back tightened up at work to the point where it felt like a steel rod up my spine.  I made an appointment with the chiropractor, hoping for another shot to reduce the muscle inflammation, but the girl who does that wasn't in, and instead I learned that ice, rather than heat, is the proper treatment, along with soaking in an epsom salt bath.  Oh, and no gym for at least two weeks.  All of which is to say that I woke up this morning with a tight back.

This morning, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jeremy Renner and 50 Cent were scheduled at the Today Show, and Charlie Sheen at GMA.  Although the GMA website advertised a sit down with Charlie, rumor (passed to me from Marie, who got it from Tony, in some bizarre paparazzi/grapherazzi telephone game) had it that he pretaped.  Tony's information is usually wrong, so I took it with a grain of salt.  My skepticism proved right when GMA tweeted '@charliesheen is joining us...for an hour.  Television may never be the same.'  Decision made....I'm going to GMA.  (Note to self: Never believe Tony.)

And so this morning, in the cold rain, with a sore back, I headed to GMA.  When I got there, Charlie had just sat down at the anchor desk, and was being introduced by Josh and Lara.  Sitting to the left side of the desk, he was hard to see behind the crowd of people in the studio (seriously GMA, what's with all the people?) and a strategically placed camera.  Only RJ and Roger were there, and they kept moving around trying to find a clear sight line.  For the better part of an hour, through a few different segments (Jack Hanna's animals, a money blowing machine, is there a hidden fortune in your home) we tried getting good clear shots.  On the stool, off the stood.  In this window, in that window.  Even multiple cigarette breaks were blocked by some douchebag security guy with a giant umbrella. 

Heading over to the barricades, I could feel my back tightening up and my toes getting numb.  Clearly I don't have tiger blood or Adonis DNA.  I'm not sure if it was GMA security or Charlie's own people who came up with it, but about 10 minutes later, as Jack Hanna came out the stage door and distracted the paparazzi, Charlie left through the studio door and escaped to his SUV untouched. 

Here's a shot I managed to get through the window.  #Winning!

Misiniformation, cancellation and Miss America

When it comes to celebrity photography, I have different levels of fandom.  Some days, I'm just there to get a picture, and if I walk away with nothing it's no big deal.  Some days, I'm a fan hoping to get a clear photo.  And there are rare days when I'm genuinely excited to see someone I've long admired.  Today was one of those days....Valerie Harper at Good Morning America and Barry Manilow on Kathie Lee and Hoda.

After coffee and a shower, I was out the door in plenty of time to see Valerie arrive.  I grew up watching Rhoda on tv, and even had the theme song on my answering machine, way back when people had answering machines (and that should tell you how long I've been a fan).  Back in October, just before Hurricane Sandy, I got to meet Valerie at the Chiller Theatre fan expo in New Jersey, and she couldn't have been nicer.  Eighty dollars later, I walked away with an autographed Rhoda season one DVD and a photo with Valerie.  It's that photo that I was hoping to get signed today.

It may seem like I'm always trying to get an autograph, but the truth is I rarely want one.  Unless I've been photographed with someone, I'm a big fan of their work, or I have to buy the book or CD and have it signed to get the photo op, autographs don't matter to me.

There weren't many people outside when I arrived at GMA, and it turns out they were all inside.  I'm not sure what they're doing at GMA, but all of a sudden they're bringing a lot more people into the studio to watch the broadcast, and it's really blocking the view for those of us on the outside.  I met up with Marie, RJ and Danny at the barricade.  No sign of Valerie yet, but there was a Brinks armored truck parked right at the stage door.  Apparently, Miss America was appearing on the show too, and the armored truck was carring the crown.  Of course it was.  I never thought about how much the crown was worth or who held onto it during the year.  I just assumed it was the winner's responsibility, but I guess not.  The new Miss America's car pulled up, and she walked into the studio surrounded by bodyguards, the Brinks guy following behind with the crown in a suitcase.  I'm not kidding...a suitcase.

Still no sign of Valerie, and at 8:21 Marie asked one of the GMA security guards if she was coming.  He didn't think she was scheduled, and it WAS kinda late for a guest to arrive, so I headed around the corner to see the Miss America segment.  This is the second time in two weeks that a scheduled GMA segment that has been press released to media outlets has been misreported.  Way to stay on top in the ratings GMA!

The Miss America segment was in the Times Square island, so no need to even try shooting through the windows!  Yay!  She was very nice to the fans while waiting for the segment to begin, and much prettier in person than the 'pageant' look she had Saturday night.  I tried to get a couple good shots, but Danny kept tugging my bag and mumbling 'Get a picture with her.  Get a picture with her.'  If there's one thing I hate, it's someone banging me in any way when I'm trying to take a picture.  You only get a split second, and that interference is just annoying.  But I did get a good shot, and here she is, Miss America.

Then it was over to the Today Show to hopefully catch Barry Manilow.  This is the third time Barry has been on Kathie Lee and Hoda in the last year and a half, and I have yet to get a photo of him.  The first time I didn't know he was there and the second time I just missed him going down the stairs to the garage as I walked into the building lobby.  Today, I hoped, would be different.

I can't remember when I first became a Barry Manilow fan, but his songs always remind me of my girlfriends Sherry and Mandy from back when I lived in Washington, DC, so it's gotta be at least twelve years now.  I've seen him in concert three times, have tickets to his Broadway performance next week, and will probably be singing along with the Fanilows in the audience.  When I got to Today, there were two older guys waiting.  No other fans, no paparazzi, nothing.  I guess the Golden Globes in LA and the fact that no other guests were booked for the first two hours of the show kept everyone away.  Oh well...less hassle to get the photo.  I stood by the curb and waited.

A few minutes passed, and the security guard came out.  I don't remember his name, but he often comes out to escort the guest in or chase away anyone standing in the building entrance.  He's a real jerk sometimes, but today he was just waiting for Barry's car.  A couple vans pulled up, and were quickly shooed away by the Nazi lady meter maid, who loves to give out parking tickets to drivers waiting to pick up Today Show guests.  I'm not sure why the Today Show can't get temporary permits for drop-offs and pick-ups, but you don't wanna mess with this lady.  She spoke briefly to the security guard, and he must have told her Barry was coming because she stuck around a bit longer than usual.  Unfortunately, he then got a call that Barry had cancelled.  'He wasn't feeling well' he told the two fans and the cop.  As she started walking away, I asked who had cancelled.  (Sometimes you hear or think you hear something or assume something based on what you think you heard, so I wanted verification).  'Barry Manilow cancelled' she told me derisively, and may I just say thank you for telling me that and fuck you for your bad attitude lady.

And with that, it was off to work.  Valerie is doing a book signing later this week, and Barry is playing Broadway for the next couple weeks, so there's still hope.  Tomorrow Mark Wahlberg is on the Today Show, and I'd love to get a shot of him, but the Kardashians are there too and I'm not sure I want to deal with that nonsense.

Iman. Supermodel.....not so super

Iman is a beautiful woman - one of the world's first supermodels, and an icon in the fashion industry.  The wife of David Bowie, she's also the CEO of IMAN cosmetics, skincare and fragrances.  This morning she shared makeup tips as part of Good Morning America's series featuring the health, wardrobe and beauty secrets of the supermodels.  (Note to GMA: Please get Naomi, Linda, Christy or Paulina in there for SOMETHING!)  Basically, this was a chance for Iman to promote her beauty line, and she was all over twitter and facebook to let fans know about her appearance on the show.  Which is why completely ignoring the fans outside GMA was such a surprise.

When I met Iman a few years ago at one of my boyfriend's photo shoots, she was wonderful, walking up to me and introducing herself, as if I didn't know who she was.  Um...hello...you're the reason I left work early and came here!  We took a picture together and she went on with the shoot.  I was hoping to get that picture signed this morning.

I arrived at GMA to find lots of people in the studio, many more than usual and all standing against the window.  You couldn't see in, and there was no way I'd be able to get a shot through the window.  Since I really only wanted the autograph, I went to the barricade, where a few people, including my friend Maria, were waiting.  'She walked right in...didn't stop or look or wave or anything' she told me.  'Was she made up?' I asked, thinking maybe she was running late on time.  'Yeah.  She looked beautiful and walked right in.'  Oh boy!  Getting this autograph was not going to be easy.

The segment ended about 20 minutes later, ans as the SUV  started, the stage door opened and Iman emerged, surrounded  by bodyguards.  The guy next to me reached out and we both called her name, hoping she would stop to sign.  The paparazzi called out to her from all around us, and she casually waved, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the waiting SUV.  And then she was gone, and that feeling of disappointment set in, like someone put a pin in your balloon.

Now, I am not under the illusion that celebrities owe their fans a photo op or an autograph at every public appearance.  And I have always said you need to be prepared to walk away empty handed.  But there is something unsettling about a celebrity hawking their movie/album/book, etc. one minute and completely ignoring their fans the next.

So here's the unsigned photo of Iman and I, taken back in early 2011.  One day, perhaps, there will be another opportunity to have it signed.

Big Ang is....well...big!

Some days you get to snap an A-list celebrity, and some days you just have to go for the kitsch factor.  Today was one of those days.  I had my trainer this morning, and then a chiropractor appointment after that, so GMA and the Today Show weren't possibilities.  But Kathie Lee and Hoda delivered a gift in the form of Big Ang!

Taking an early lunch (and let's face it, 10AM is pretty early), I headed over to the Today studio to hopefully catch Big Ang on her way out of the studio.  Kathie Lee and Hoda usually have their guest on right after their opening sequence, so I figured I'd be in and out in no time unless Big Ang took her time in the green room.  Wrong!  After they talked to each other about Beyonce on the cover of GQ and some guy who could drink a bottle of water in a minute they went to a segment with Al Roker talking about his book.  Again.  Could this guy promote this book any harder? 

Finally, around 10:20 or so, Big Ang came out and took a seat in the window.  Now, the problem with the Today Show is that they have a reflective scrim on the windows, so you can't see clearly through the window and you definitely can't snap a clear picture.  But I could see Big Ang, and the team of makeup people touching her up.  Heavy makeup, multi-colored hair extensions, tight top and super short skirt.  She was fabulous!  They finally came to her around 10:30 to talk about the new season of Mob Wives and her reconciliation with her husband, who showed the new topless tattoo of Ang he got to show his love for her.  Because nothing says I love you like a topless tattoo.

When the segment was over I stepped over to the hallway windows at Rockefeller Plaza.  The good thing about Rockefeller Plaza is that when a guest enters or leaves the Today Show there is a whole lobby area that you can clearly see into from the plaza, so you can tell when someone is entering through the garage or leaving through the lobby.  After lingering in the lobby for a few minutes saying goodbye and putting on her coat, and rather than walking through the lobby hallway to the 48th street exit, Big Ang came out into Rockefeller Plaza.  Not what I was expecting, but a very welcome surprise!  I walked over and asked if I could take a picture, and was surprised when her assistant reached for my camera.  I figured I'd take a picture of her, but the assistant thought I meant with her, and I was not going to correct her.  Ang was very nice, and I told her I loved the show (lie....I don't watch Mob Wives, but she's great in the commercials).  She's very big....tall and sizeable in a Wendy Williams kinda way, but absolutely fabulous.

Note to self: figure out which camera setting to use if someone else is taking the picture so the picture is in focus.

"Josh Brolin is a douche"

Good Morning America announced 'Heidi Klum shares her workout tips', so of course I headed down to Times Square this morning to see if I could snap a few shots of Heidi and have her sign the invitation to the Halloween party we went to last year.  Plenty of time this morning, but it didn't matter because I soon found out that the segment was pretaped.  This week, it's Heidi 2, Kevin 0. 

Josh Brolin was there to promote 'Gangster Squad,' but they stuck him in the chairs by the window.  The damn background monitor is always in the way whenever there's an interview there, so getting a shot through the window was close to impossible once he sat down.  Thankfully, he stood up to greet someone and I was able to snap a couple shots before heading over to the stage door to wait at the barricades.  TONS of people on the east side, so I took my chances waiting on the west side, where there was nobody. 

Turns out it didn't matter which side I was on, because as soon as the interview was over he grabbed his coat and bolted for his car.  Like literally out the door with two or three security guards surrounding him, didn't look at the fans or the photographers.  I'm not sure if anyone was able to get a shot as he walked out because it all happened so fast, but there  were a lot of stunned faces afterwards.  The general consensus, spoken by one of the paparazzi, was that "Josh Brolin is a douche."

Here's the shot through the window, with lots of glare from the electronic billboards in Times Square.

Ben Affleck was live after all

Got a late start this morning, but still managed to get to GMA at a reasonable time.  Tons of people in the window, and RJ, Roger, Ray Tamarra and the bitchy photographer with the stupid leather beret up on their stools shooting through the window so I knew someone was filming the minute I got out of the subway.  Turns out it was Brooke Burke-Charvet, giving her first interview since her breast cancer operation.  Lots of people in studio, and they all seemed to be standing in the way, so I couldn't really get a clear shot through the window.

Still not sure if Ben Affleck was there or if he pretaped, I walked over to the stage door to line up by the barricades.  LOTS of people there, including Tony, who is always there trying to get autographs, which he later sells, and talking, talking, talking like he always does, and some girl I've never seen before trying to get autographs.  Turns out she's 17 years old and already late for the first 3 periods of school.  I guess she's there for Ben.  After about 20 minutes, the door opens and out comes Paula Deen, surrounded by a couple big, black bodyguards.  The photogs go crazy, and happy for the attention, she poses and answers the questions the photographers are throwing out at her.  I'm not sure if the fur was real or not, but she had a beautiful grey and black jacket on.  She seems like a nice lady, but I've already taken one photo of her and that's enough for me.

Another 15 minutes or so go by, and by now we're all getting tired, cold, and annoyed.  More people are coming to the barricades now, and both sides are pretty crowded.  If you're not in the front row, you're probably not going to get an autograph, and maybe not even a clear photo.  I'm right behind the 17 year old, and she's short enough that I can shoot right over her head.  The door opens, and here comes Brooke.  Tony had a couple sexpot photos of her, which she happily signed (let's face it...she's the cohost of Dancing with The Stars, and not much else).  Still trying to figure out the new camera I got for Christmas, I took a few pictures, but the angle was a little weird.

RJ was watching the show on his portable TV, and Ben's segment just finished.  He was live with the CIA agent that Argo was based on after all.  His SUV backed into place, mholotor running, and we figured he'd be out in a few minutes.  Turns out that wasn't quite true.  Another 15 minutes or so, and the SUV backs up and another pulls up to drop someone off.  Who the hell?  All cameras turn to the SUV, as the door opens and out comes Common.  The girl in front of me goes nuts, asking for a picture with him.  I'm not sure he understood her, because he stopped and posed by the door, looking at her like 'take the picture already' until she finally spoke up and asked again for a picture WITH him.  His publicist tried to shuffle him inside, but he actually came over and posed with her.  Shaky hands couldn't hold her cellphone steady, so she cut off a little of his head, but she got her picture.  She decided she couldn't miss fourth period and decided to leave for school, and I squeezed into her spot at the front of the barricade.

After another 10 minutes or so, as my toes were frozen, the door opened and Ben Affleck finally stepped out, bundled up with a heavy coat and a ski cap.  He actually stopped and signed a few autographs right in front of me, and still trying to learn my camera, I missed that shot, but I did get a clear photo just as he was walking out the door.

Barbara Walters, Busy Phillips and Lisa Vanderpump at Good Morning America - 1/7/13

So it's 2013.  A new year, and a good time to bring back the blog.  So many people have seen the pictures and said the same thing: 'you should have a blog', so I decided to revive it, and include some detail about the stories behind the pictures. 

According to the ABC press release, Heidi Klum, Lisa Vanderpump and Busy Phillips were appearing on Good Morning America this morning.  Heidi was a sweetheart when I met her at Barnes & Noble for her book signing, so I hoped that I could have her autograph the picture of the two of us together from that  event.  Unfortunately, when I cropped some of the background out of the photo it got grainy and not really worth a signature, so I figured I'd just stop by on my way to work and snap a few pictures as she left.  If I can get another shot of Lisa that's great too, and Busy Phillips is just one of those extras because she's there.  I don't watch Cougar Town, so I'm not familiar with her.

Getting off the subway at Times Square, I realize I'm running a little later than I wanted to, but there's still enough time to hopefully get some pictures.  RJ, one of the regular paparazzi, is in the window when I get to GMA, so I know they're already in the middle of a story, and sure enough there's Barbara Walters talking about her interview with Mariah Carey. 

When the Barbara interview is over George Stephanopolous throws to Lara Spencer in the upstairs studio interviewing plus size model Crystal Renn and Victoria's Secret models Erin Heatherton and Lindsay Ellingson teaching us all how to walk the catwalk.  Crystal was scheduled for Wednesday, so it looks like Heidi's segment isn't happening today. 

Lisa and Busy are both prepping for their segments, but there's a crowd at the window and a glare from the electronic billboards in Times Square, so I decide to take my chances at the stage door.  Not much of a crowd there, the barricades are up, and there's Richie the bodyguard/crowd control guy and Howard the car coordinator.  Not too many paparazzi or autograph collectors, which makes me think they're all over at the Today show trying to get Betty White.  Fat chance....she's definitely taking the garage entrance, which means the change of getting a picture or autograph is zero.  And then there's Ally, a chatty, annoying girl who is a little bit crazy when she doesn't get a picture or autograph.  The regulars hate when she's there because she throws a tantrum if she doesn't get what she wants, and it makes all of us look like bad.  Roger is on the curb by the cars with the fat rude guy and RJ is up on his stool, so it's going to be a little tough today.

You always want to stand on the east side of the door, so when it opens you can see who is coming out and it gives you a few extra seconds to snap pictures.  Some days, those seconds make a huge difference.  After about 15 minutes, the door opens and Busy comes out.  Ally calls out to her for an autograph, which actually works in our favor because she stops and signs and smiles for the photographers.  She seems pleasant enough.

After she leaves, the car backs up and Lisa and her husband Ken come out.  Again, it's Ally calling out to Lisa to please take a picture with her.  Lisa stops and poses with Giggy, while Ken walks toward the car.  I would have loved a picture of the three of them together, but oh well. 

I would have LOVED to get photos of the Victoria's Secret models, but time was running short and I had to get to work.  There will be other opportunities. 

Ben Affleck is appearing on GMA tomorrow, but I have a feeling it's pretaped.  And Jeff Bridges is at the Today Show, so I've got a couple options.  We'll see what I feel like in the morning.