Paul Laddin Sends Joe a Poem

Hi to all the Ships at Sea,

There are hundreds and maybe thousands of photographers and filmmakers that make a lot more money, than I do. I’ll tell you what I’ve got though, I’m the richest man in the world because I have so many beautiful and special friends. My friend Paul Laddin is a true Renaissance man. He’s been a working artist for the last 6 decades. At one point in his career he was one of the original Madmen in the advertising business. He’s won many many awards for his talents. With all of that, he is just a regular guy and beautiful person. After a conversation we had, he sent me this poem and I’d like to pass it along. If you go to dimaggiophoto.com and click on Paul Laddin you can see some of his artwork.

Photo tip for today: anytime you’re photographing snow, always remember to open up 1.5 stops; no one wants to see grey snow and…and while you’re at it stay away from the yellow snow.

Poem by Dylan Thomas,

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on that sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Dylan Thomas

All the best,
Joe D

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Fishing Fool

Painting by Paul Laddin

I was out fishing one day in the Huntington Triangle and I ran into a wise fisherman. He was quite a character. We talked about lures, trolling, and then we talked about advertising photography. Little did I know, I was in the presence of the president of one of the finest, most avant garde ad agencies in the United States. Here we are 26 years later, and we’re very dear friends. I call him my Rabbi, my brother, my mentor, and my dear friend. Like all relationships it is predicated on the most important thing, respect. His name is Paul Laddin. On top of all of his accomplishments, first accomplishment is, of course, he is married to a beautiful and brilliant woman named Jennie. Second to that, he is quite the accomplished artist. He works in oil and his work is wonderful. If you look closely at the artwork I’ve included, you may recognize a younger photographer, I’m not sure I know his name.

Thank you Paul for being such a great friend. Love you.

Joe D

Photo ©Joe DiMaggio