12.05.07 - Manny Rodriguez - OC LAUNCH - Dallas, TX - Advocate -

Photographing photographers is like making a self-portrait, only more awkward. We’re used to being behind the camera, and shooting a fellow shooter can be unnerving, especially when they have your photo experience beat by a couple decades.

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Such was the case when I was asked to shoot celebrated local photog Manny Rodriguez for our June 2012 issue.

I showed up to Manny’s expansive photo studio with my skimpy lighting kit and presented him with a sketch of the photo I sought. After explaining where I wanted to position a couple lights and what props we’d need to make the photo, Manny said, “I trust you, but I don’t want to see any of the photos until they are published in the magazine.”

After a couple dozen test shots and another dozen “real” shots we arrived at this photo. Shortly after, I turned Manny loose.

“That’s it?” He asked.

“That’s it.” I said.

Truth be told, not every shoot goes this smoothly.