Every Sunday, I make it down to the local Farmers Market. It happens to be in Brentwood,CA. home of more than 2 celebrities. And some of them happen to go to the market.
Hey, they have to feel their peaches for firmness, just like you and me.

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Anyway, part of my shopping experience is to also photograph the seasonal fruits and veggies (easy…) as the changing sun hits them, or softly lit under a canopy. It’s kinda like sketching. Every week photographing similar things, in a slightly different way. Maybe a change of lens, perhaps showing up earlier for new light.
Not incredible images, just working things out.

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Well, this week, I was walking around with the latest review DSLR, the Nikon D3, coupled with a very sweet 24-70 2.8. With cameras being on my body for most of my life, it is just another part of me, an extension. Never think about it being there.

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And then while testing the perspective peaches, someone asked me ” So, who’s here today? ”
” Excuse me? “
“You know, you’re paparazzi, right? ”
Holy Moley. I thought I was just taking photos of incredible edibles.
I asked him why he thought that. ” That big camera and your bag says Hollywood on it.” My canvas bag for shopping is from an editorial company based in Hollywood.
For some reason, I felt compelled to explain what I was doing.
But why?
Yes it was true. The concept of being considered paparazzi was a sleight, a diss, a slam.
Oh sure, he wanted to know what celebrities were there, but I didn’t want to be that guy.

Couldn’t I shoot this:
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While carrying this?
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Is this why Leicas were invented? The colors and textures called out for a full up camera.
I told this story to a friend of mine and they said “Of course they thought that..look at that camera in your hands!”

I guess it must be a matter of technique. It was hanging on the shoulder. Perhaps it should stay in a bag till the shot reveals itself. Any ideas? Should I just buy all of the subjects, shoot, and eat?

Yes, Rob Reiner was shopping. No, that shot was never taken.

Ahhhh..Los Angeles.