Guess Who Came to Dinner?
Sarah Jessica Parker hosted a fundraiser at her house down in Greenwich Village for the re-election campaign of Barack Obama. She had the idea “Hey, let’s invite that guy, the President, to dinner here!” And he said, “Yes!” Some people make some things sound just so . . .easy! Putting simple thought into action!
Guests paid $40,000 a ticket to sup and shmooze. My keen photographic eye identified, well after the event and only after downloading, one Michael Kors while the blurry shot of Meryl (Streep!) came about after bumping into her as she left the party. A more aggressive photographer than I shall ever be gently pushed me out of her way and up against Meryl’s soft summer arm. I begged forgiveness. As indeed one does which also meant I was too late to get the shot. The better shot. Blurry Meryl is available only on request.
The atmosphere down in the Village was full of summer evening fun! Actually, it was almost like a re-union! All the familiar faces of the NYPD but at a garden party. But what would a political fundraiser be without . . . a protest or two. And it had been going so well for so long before I chanced upon a penned in group of Republican protestors on 7th Ave who were really very quiet and very smiley. In that Mitt fashion. They didn’t stay out long. They were gone by the time night fell. This left a vacancy which some protestors from Occupy Wall Street! promptly filled. That they took so long! A true re-union. Alas however you don’t mess with Democrat Obama supporters happy to be mingling in the street, partying by proxy with the heavy threat of pending Mitt clouds and expect arousals of support here in the Village where night time is party time. With Freedom of Speech however there is always room to make yourself at home and be heard. Or shouted down. Or booed. Or ignored.
My source ie I asked a departing guest how the evening went and she was happy to tell me it was all wonderful! Very positive and seemed to do very well on the fundraising. From a guest list of 40 people!
Photos straight from me to you in all their unedited glory!
I remember earlier in the afternoon overhearing a comment out on the street with regard to all the spectators lined up for the motorcade “How do all these people know what’s going on here?” That she even needed to ask! The New York Times has been full of information! If I had more energy I would provide links etc but this is the internet, Google etc is a quick link away. I can’t help but think how much it cost the city of New York in providing the heavy security – streets blocked off, choppers in the sky, police time. Plus poor Matthew Broderick (husband of Sarah Jessica Parker for those who don’t know and too lazy to Google) who is supposed to be treading the boards in his Broadway show “Nice Work if You Can Get It” apparently took the night off. Plenty of cheap tickets were available from Half Tix for tonight’s performance.
And here I was thinking the show had to go on! Indeed, nice work if you can get it!
Later Edit: According to the Daily News Matthew Broderick was a no-show at the dinner. The show did go on with him in the spotlight. What a trooper!
Great work, Patti. My favourite pic is the nice looking policeman, but they are all good. I would like to see the blurry Meryl, if you don’t mind. I will show you my blurry Bebe Neuwirth in return. xx
I was seeing double by the end of the night but I had Meryl in front of me for so long but the the flash wasn’t working etc etc so by the time I did get her it was side-on and not stand out. The other paps complained about her husband who kept his good wife moving through the street. I suppose he had had enough for one night!
Great street photographs Patti. Do you have any problems taking photographs of those nice policemen?
Thank you Mike. So far I haven’t had any problems with the police apart from the one last year who, in more violent circumstances, grabbed my iPhone telling me to “get it outta his face!” When taking close-ups in quieter moments I always make eye contact in that “is this OK with you?” so I can catch a nodding smile. I did have one altercation last night with a Republican protestor who was, I thought, very aggressive with her simple point and shoot. More of that later!
Brilliant pictures to go with a great post. How did you know?? heehee!
Great to hear from you, thank you Gerry! I could say it was hard not to know if only I hadn’t heard so many people asking about what was going on. These were people trying to get to their homes in the neighbourhood, or to restaurants in the frozen zone!
I’m so glad they held the party before making the move to Brooklyn.
I was wondering about that. I thought they moved over there ages ago but they certainly made an impact on the neighbourhood last night!
you are my best New York correspondence!
What a great job. Lady reporter…
Lady reporter – I like the sound of that! Thank you very much indeed Carlos!
Sorry for my mistakes in writing … but I liked your post. You speak Spanish?
Adiós Patti 🙂
Carlos
Dear Carlos, your English is wonderful! Alas I do not speak Spanish but I am so pleased you enjoyed the post and so happy to be a Lady Reporter. Best wishes and thank you Carlos!
So there you go again Patti – bringing a little bit of New York to my sitting room – I just love it. They are so atmospheric – Much better than any ‘paper! I love the dude with the baby and the kid hanging out the window.
Sue, it was such a fun night with so many stories to tell from it. Hope to see you over here one day when we can explore it together!
You certainly live and work where the action is!
I’ll take one blurry Streep, although I have nothing to offer in return, celebs being few and far between around here, and no cops attending any progress (as in, the Progress of Queen Elizabeth) of Rachel Maddow.
Hats off (once again), Brenda Starr!
To tell you the truth Judith celebs seem to be few and far between in NYC if only because they blend in so well. Those of a certain type anyway! Plus I happen to be a little celeb-blind if only because the streets here are so full of interesting faces. Such faces are indeed everywhere but the mechanics of shooting in a crowded city street are so different to that of doing the same in a small town. I need lots of “hanging around” time that doesn’t draw attention to me. So much more I could say on this topic, I feel a blog post coming on . . . oh and I would love to have a sit-down, and a drink, with the wonderful Rachel Maddow but I would be too chicken to make the offer!
You must be a very nice person to have so many smiling, cooperative strangers in your photos.
You just made me realize that a photographer’s personality comes through in their photos of people and how they react to the one behind the camera!
Bravo, Patti!
Annie, you are too kind! It was a lovely warm evening down in the Village and there did seem to be a lot of happy juice in the air! But now you have me thinking about the sour Republican lady protestor (in a protest group with more cheerful Republicans) who put a good dose of bitter lemon in the lemonade. More about that later!
You always do a great job with all your photos, Ms. K…
I’ve not met / seen any celebrities before (I’m sure it’s pretty exciting).
That being said, your images of ‘average / everyday’ folks and interesting places / cityscapes / scenes are always my absolute favorite(s). I guess I can just relate better, maybe.
🙂
SiG, I am always so excited and so grateful when anyone smiles, whatever, for me! And I am excited to know you and see your fabulous art!
There is so much I want to say on this topic and, without sounding too corny I hope, there is SO much to celebrate in the wonderful average that is all around us. If a “celebrity” wanders into the frame they become, for me, part of that average but I will never go looking for them. I should stop now . . . 🙂
Excellent work again Patti ,I imagine your happy face while taking those shot ,beautiful post 🙂
A face happy to be hiding behind the camera! Thank you as ever Jake!
Just looked through these photos again. You are so GOOD, Patti.
And the love and rapport you have with people is just evident in the interaction — wonderful.
Judith, please know how grateful I am to for your very kind words. There are so many wonderful people out there and I am grateful to every one of them!
I-Phone, huh? Patti, you certainly use it well.
I . . . love . . . your . . . work!
I took these shots with my DSLR but other posts / photos have come from the iPhone. I don’t have Photoshop or Lightroom (exploring both but with so many options I find it difficult to decide!) so I have my fun with the iPhone. Certain situations I have chosen to use the iPhone over the DSLR.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words!
Nice work indeed. How the other half lives. And to get so up close and personal with Meryl!
It felt more a case of Mr and Mrs Gummer out for the night and on their way home!
Looks like the Prez had no problems finding a park. Looks a fun time had by all.
Life does seem to be a one-way street for Mr President!
Impressive street photos… Keep it up Pat!
Eliz