Calistri's Corner

I have a lot of pictures from the 2007 WSOP.  I probably have dozens of pictures of every pro and most of the celebs that played.  I do not have a picture of Tobey Maguire.  Why?  Because he doesn’t like his picture taken in the field. 

Even though I’m “media,” to me, the play supercedes everything.  If I sense that a player feels uncomfortable when I’m standing behind them, I move…even if it means I can’t the shot I was going for.  If a player verbally, or using body language (and yes, I’ve been flipped the bird a few times) indicates my taking a picture is at odds with their comfort level - I don’t take it.  

I knew from WSOP’s past that Tobey Maguire likes to try to stay anonymous in the field.  In past years, he’s grown a scruffy beard and worn a cap pulled down over his face.  So I was surprised to see a hatless, clean shaven Maguire in this year’s field.  As I lifted my camera to get his picture, he put his hand over his face.  I immediately put my camera down, waived, and walked away.  He got up of his chair and followed me - and thanked me for understanding.  Actually the smile he gave me was worth more than the pic would have been. 

Another celebrity I did not take a picture of was Adam Sandler.  Sandler was at the Rio for the Ante Up for Africa tournament.  Had I gotten a clean shot of his in the field, I would have taken it.  But as it turned out, my only opportunity was to take a picture of him sitting out in back of the Rio on the hot pavement, smoking a cigar.  I don’t like to intrude on anyone’s down time.  Instead I smoked.  He smoked.  It was a moment of sorts.      

Some celebs pics I did get (in order):  Norm MacDonald (comedian), Christopher Lorenzo (rap mogul), Christopher Lorenzo’s watch (should have celeb status all its own), and Sully Erna (Godsmack front man).

 

This entry was posted on Monday, July 23rd, 2007 at 9:31 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.