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Douglas Kirkland ....... A Legend Behind the Lens.

An Exclusive Interview with the World Famous Photographer

By Judith A. Habert

This past summer at the Del Mar Fair Grounds Photo Expo time - I think it was about 15 minutes after I got home - and
a chance meeting allowed me to come face to face with emailed her thanking her and asking what time and day
a great man, a photo legend, whom over the years has would work for the interview.
been an inspiration not only to me, but to photo enthusiasts
worldwide. Although impressed by the man in front of me
presenting a multitude of his famous photos for a large crowd
gathered to hear the master speak, what impressed me most
were his unassuming qualities, and his willingness to share
details of encounters with greatness.

In the 1980’s, as Director of the Professional Services for
Canon USA, I was first introduced to this photographic icon
who hob knobbed with the stars, photographed royalty, and
rubbed shoulders with famous political dignitaries. A staunch
Canon supporter in the days when most professional photog-
raphers were married to Nikon, Douglas was one of our most
avid fans.

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Judith and Douglas- At the Del Mar Fair Grounds Photo Expo
Douglas Kirkland at work
Over twenty years later I would have the chance to speak
with him once again. I fumbled to the table where Douglas
and his wife Francoise sat, a pile of his latest books, Freeze
Frame (a collection of 5 decades of his photographs) lie on
the table and a line of people ahead of me clamoring for
signed copies. I stood among them trying to remain calm as
I was about to come face to face with greatness. Did I have
the nerve to ask? Yes, I did…I would ask if I could interview
him for our magazine, San Diego Woman. His response
was a warm and willing “Of course, I would love to.” I tried
to remain calm. Even though I was jumping up and down
inside I remained dignified, shook his hand, took a photo with
him, purchased his book and stammered my name as he
asked me “to whom he should address the book.” Francoise
handed me a business card and wrote her personal e-mail
address on the back. I waited the appropriate amount of
May/June 2008