Photos © Joe DiMaggio

I’ve been around the world at least twice and it seems once every decade something magical happens.  Last week a group of 8 strangers came together.  Each person was extremely bright, talented, and lovely.  I spent one full day making some amazing photographs of actress, singer and super star Quinn Lemley.  Many photographers tend to have huge egos. If it’s one thing I’ve learned, I always check my ego at the door.  There isn’t a person who is able to do everything all the time.  In the real world it takes a team and we had an amazing one.  

For this assignment, I was blessed to work with the actress Quinn Lemley – Superstar,  Shani Grosz, World Class Clothing Designer, her Wonderful Social Media Publicist, Abby Sultanik, Mr. Wendall, a Super Stylist,  Lorraine Altamura, a World Class Hair and Makeup Artist, Caroline Voigt, Quinn’s Amazing Social Media Publicist, Jon Mecca, an Accomplished Dynamic Photographer and Studio Manager.  I’ve left the best for last – and Errol Rappaport who in the real world, is a Power Broker to End All Power Brokers.  We all came together for the longest 12 hour day imaginable.  My contribution was 1/8 of the creative group as the Photographer Par Excellence.  I should also give credit to the Mayor’s office, the NYPD and Mihai (Michael) Pasalau at the New York Yacht Club (okay it was the Staten Island Ferry) but I do consider it my yacht!

I’ve always been a NYC kid, born and bred but as truth be known, the combination of Covid 19,  my several bouts with Cancer,  I’ve been away from the greatest City in the world for a while.  

I’d love to take credit for our team prayer at the end of the evening but afraid I can’t.  We all held hands and thanked the Universe for a great day.   That team prayer originally emanated from Peter, Paul, and Mary who refused to go on stage until I and my son Dylan, who happened to be with me that one day,  to gather together and do a prayer prior to their concert.  It was a celebration of my 50th year photographing them.

I hope someday in the future the team and can together once again.  I know that’s a big ask.  But, what the hell… why not?  I thank each and every one of you for your contribution to a great shoot.   Remember one thing – Life is not a rehearsal – there are no second takes!  Enjoy life to the fullest.  I like to always say, “ Kick Ass and Take Names.” – Joe DiMaggio.