Vivian Maier and her work were recently brought to my attention. When I saw the prompt this week, I thought of the many splendid and unusual photos she'd taken of herself with her trusty Rolleiflex and my imagination transported me to the dark and dusty section of a used camera shop.
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| Vivian Maier self-portrait |
8967 S. Optical Avenue
New York, New York
Dearest Vivian
Thanks for sending the self-portrait - honestly, I can't believe you found me. I chuckled when I saw you chose to send me this photo, out of all those we shot that day. There I am, front and center, nestled in your hand, hogging the spotlight as it were! And you were only partially in the picture! I have to admit I was so surprised to see my own reflection that I didn't pay close attention the rest of the shot.
Now that I look at it again, I can see what genius was at work. The way you held the light; the reflection in the mirror of you and you and you and me and me and me; the way you can see both the front and back of you and me, but not completely. Only partial views - the way most of the rest of the world views us both. Here's another photo we shot that day. Somebody brought it into the shop and everyone talked about how you were the original Queen of the Selfie. I have no idea what they're talking about but I do know this was an intense day and we did some great work together.
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| Vivian Maier self-portrait |
Once in a while, someone comes into this place and notices me way up here. They even take out their fancy smart phones and take pictures of me for Facebook, whatever that is - but no one holds me in their hands, peers into my viewfinder or brings me to life with a little film. You were the last Viv and the very best.
Again, thanks for the memories.....
Your pal forever,
Rollei Flex
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| Vivian's cameras |
