I just stepped downstairs to get some chili at Dominick’s Cafe, and when I got there I noticed that the place was loaded with people, lighting technicians, cameramen, sound techs and production assistants. Every table was filled with “natural looking Americans.” They were shooting a campaign ad.
Naturally I went back to my studio and got a camera, mainly to get some “natural looking” headshots of the democratic candidate for congress — Julian Schreibman. He’s running to fill 10-term U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey’s seat.
In getting my camera, I had nothing sinister on my mind, such as documenting what bullshit campaign ads are. In reality, I had the same idea as the director — get a good looking image of the guy. (That’s why I only had a long lens; if I wanted to show the context, a wide-angle lens would have been the one.) I got in one shot in when I was told to stop. Since I was standing in my friend’s restaurant during business hours photographing a public figure, I asked why.
They tried to say that the owner objected, which didn’t work; he’s one of my closest friends, and I’m the family photographer.
They then produced the campaign manager, who offered to talk to me outside. I explained the whole public figure in a public place thing, but basically he said too bad; no photos.
“This isn’t China,” I said.
“No, it’s not China,” he replied.