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V.J. Lovero
Rod Mar, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 3:42 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> V.J. was an inspiration and mentor to many of us.
I'm hoping many of you will join me in filling this thread with thoughts and memories of V.J. that we can then share with his family.
I'd seen his work for years and admired his photos, but nothing compares with actually meeting him in person.
For all he had accomplished in photography, V.J. had not an ounce of arrogance to him -- in fact, he was always ready with a friendly word, a piece of advice if you asked, and a smile.
He loved his family, baseball and photography.
I'll miss him -- my prayers go out to his family.
Rod Mar |
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Ian Elliott, Photographer
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Junction City | OR | USA | Posted: 4:26 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> I never knew V.J. I wish I would have met him. We are all saddened by this huge loss. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
THE LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Take care.
Ian |
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Darrell Miho, Photographer
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Temple City | CA | usa | Posted: 4:40 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> VJs had a great love for baseball and photography but that paled in comparison to his love for his family and friends.
shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, i went to visit him at his house in orange. bob, mo, john and brad were also there. i remember him playing catch with his sons...which was followed shortly by a dogpile on the front lawn...and VJ was on the bottom. you could see the love he had for his family by just watching him with his kids and how they interacted.
afterward, we all sat around the dinner table eating el pollo loco talking about god knows what. this was VJs all time love...hanging out with family and friends.
he will be truly missed. |
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Robert Longhitano, Photographer
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North Wales | PA | USA | Posted: 4:47 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> Sad news, he was truly inspirational at this past luau I'm glad I had the chance to meet him.
My condolences to his family and friends. |
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Scott Gardner, Photographer
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Albany | OH | USA | Posted: 4:47 PM on 01.12.04 |
| ->> My condolences to the Lovero family. You have lost someone special that meant a lot to people across the country. Having never met V.J. but have seen a lot of his work, he will be missed. |
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Gary Bogdon, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 5:12 PM on 01.12.04 |
| ->> I first came face-to-face with VJ at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta while shooting boxing.. I knew who he was from seeing his byline, but after meeting him, I wish I had known him longer. A true gentleman, who had a passion for his family, sports and photography. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. |
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Scott Wachter, Photographer
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 5:33 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> When I first relocated to Arizona from Maryland, and while photographing many MLB games in So. Cal and during AZ Spring Training, VJ stood out to me as such a truly different breed. I was used to the hard nosed jealous photographer types on the East coast, and knowing of VJ's incredible talents and vast experience, I was completely taken back by his overwhelmingly welcoming and friendly ways.
For the many of us that have been fortunate enough to be in presence of VJ, he will forever stand out in the minds and hearts of everyone he has ever came in contact with. |
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Shelly Castellano, Photographer, Assistant
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Huntington Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 6:05 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> When I first started shooting the Mighty Ducks many years ago, VJ spent quite a bit of time shooting hockey. The players all liked working with him and his images were truly amazing. I would be so stoked to sit next to him with long glass in the handicap section and hear his shutter sound off close to mine.. I always felt like there was hope to be just that good if I could see what he saw. Lord knows that he saw things in such a special way that nobody could duplicate, only aspire to! He will be missed, but his images will continue to amaze. Thats the beauty of photography, his captured moments will last forever!
The flower fund is up and running.. so if you want to contribute send me an email, your name will be added to the card. |
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Scott Sommerdorf, Photographer, Photo Editor
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SF | CA | USA | Posted: 6:20 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> I will remember V.J.'s gutty performance at the last Luau where he gave us all a chance to see how he does his magic. I'll remember the pictures, and the talent, but I remain most impressed with his courage and fortitude to continue with life and share his very valuable time as long as he had it.
He was one of a kind. |
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Trent Nelson, Photographer
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Salt Lake City | UT | USA | Posted: 6:48 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> We lost a legend today.
If you haven't painfully become acquainted with cancer yet, be aware that there are a lot of ways you can donate time, services, or money towards helping those afflicted.
-trent |
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John Grieshop, Photographer
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Englewood | OH | USA | Posted: 7:05 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> Bob Binder introduced me to VJ at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and my first reaction was how young he was....I mean, I had seen countless photographs of his in Sports Illustrated throughout the years and couldn't believe how young he was....What a talent!!
My second impression was how humble and down to earth he was..He didn't know me from Adam and yet he still took the time to talk about photography, baseball, and life in general...
VJ(along with Bob Binder)was also very instrumental in my development as a photographer with The Upper Deck Trading Card Company, and I will remain forever grateful....You took a chance on me VJ - THANK YOU!!
VJ also knew Baseball...Man..He could talk about "The greatest sport there is" for hours....I'll miss that....
My condolence goes out to VJ's family...He was an awesome photographer and an even better human being....
God Speed VJ...If there is one thing I know, the Baseball Greats in Heaven just got one hell of a Team Photographer..
John Grieshop |
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Davis Barber, Photographer
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Fullerton | CA | USA | Posted: 7:21 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> A few years ago my wife and I made a bicycle trip through the San Juan Islands in Washington state. As we were boarding the flight I heard a “psst, hey buddy” behind me. It was V.J. He had been shooting some football game and was also on his way home. As it turned out, he was also in the seat next to us.
He and Carrie spoke a long time, mostly about his kids and my wife’s anxiety about flying. He offered her some tips on how to relax, including many he had picked up from some of the ball players that had shared their tips with him. He put her at ease.
When he spoke about his kids he shared how he and his wife, Trish, had had some elective surgery for one of them, to fix something cosmetic, as I recall. He told us how scared he was to put either of them through any sort of unnecessary pain or danger, and that it had been a gut wrenching experience. He cared deeply for his sons.
In fact, that plane ride was one of the turning points for Carrie and I to decide to have a child. We figured heck, if VJ can do it with a scheduled like his, what are we worried about?
Last May VJ was kind enough to come to an event I put together at Cal State Fullerton and speak with students-soon-to-graduate about what they need to do to get a job, how his perspective on his career has been shaped, and the many opportunities he’s earned. (My words, not his). He came only on the condition that he not have a shoot to do, but more importantly, that his kids did not have any soccer games. His words were “my time with them is incredibly valuable to me.”
I’ll miss him. We weren’t close friends, but like many of you I’ve known him for many, many years. He’s always had a positive attitude, and always seemed glad to see you. He was always easy to be around and made everybody feel welcome. He was a proud father, husband and a fantastic photographer. For me he has been a wonderful example of how best to live your life.
Thanks, VJ, and God bless.
Davis Barber |
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Rick Rickman, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 7:33 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> I didn't know VJ nearly as well as many. I do know that he helped me more than I can ever relay. I was never ever a great baseball photographer. In fact I'm barely an adequate baseball photographer. When I first came to Orange Country California I met VJ by accident at an Angels game that I was covering for the Orange County Register. I was cussing at myself after missing several plays and generally feeling totally inadequate. VJ happened to be in the well with me and started laughing a little at my scene. He came over and introduced himself and asked me if he could help. I told him that I was hopeless as a baseball photographer and there probably was nothing anyone could do to make it any better. About the 7th inning things in the game had gotten pretty exciting and there were men on base and I was nervous as I could be because I didn't have an image yet. The batter hit the ball and VJ without looking away from his camera said to me quietly, watch third Rick, its gonna make a nice picture. He was so right and to this day I wonder if any other photographer that I was shooting there with would have been so kind as to help in this way. The next day the picture ran big and I was saved, because it was the only picture I had all night.
Every time I came to the Angels stadium VJ would always ask me if I needed any help. I'd always ask him a bunch of really stupid questions and he would patiently help me with the answers. His kindness was always overwhelming.
The real metal of a person always shows in their ability to deal with adversity. For me to watch VJ carry on throughout the ultimate adversity has been a great lesson in how life should be lived.
There was a movie out years ago called; There Must Be Giants. It was about faith and believing in goodness and knowing somehow that we can overcome adversity. There was a great Quote at the end of the film that went;
"The human heart sees what is hidden to the eyes,
And knows what the mind
cannot begin to understand."
This quote came to mind today as I was thinking about VJ. I'm so sorry he's gone!
Rick |
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David Rabian, Photographer
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Wilmington | DE | USA | Posted: 7:47 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> "I see the world in still images: frozen moments of suspended time. In a photograph one can seek out an expression that can stand for all expressions, a moment that can signify all time. Photographs bear witness that these people have lived upon this Earth, if only for a brief moment in the passing show.
What meaning can this momentary life have, when time is measured geologically? By definition, it is a heartbeat: a look, a fleeting state of grace. These fragments, these shards of existence can only have significance if they are meant to represent something else: tears for all tears, an experience for all experience. The cry that says we lived once, that we were all here. That our lives will not be a story untold. That we touched others who lived on after us. That we added some small thread to the texture of this world.
What is a life? What do we leave behind, that can't be worn down by wind, or time, or fire? It is the trace we leave on memory."
- An excerpt from "Becoming the Circle", from the book "The Soul Aflame", by Eric Lawton, photographer
Thanks for making baseball beautiful V.J. |
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Dirk Dewachter, Photographer, Assistant
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Playa Del Rey | CA | USA | Posted: 8:04 PM on 01.12.04 |
| ->> The only contact I had with V.J. was during the second luau. I really got beat up by V.J. during the portfolio reviews but he did it in such a positive manner and offered so much insight and encouragement that I know that the ten minutes I was able to spend with him will contribute to my work for years to come. Thanks V.J. |
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D. Ross Cameron, Photographer
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Oakland | CA | USA | Posted: 8:24 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> The first words out of my mouth upon reading the news of V.J.'s death:
"Oh my God! That sucks!"
I stand by that eloquent eulogy.
My condolences to his family. We'll miss you, V.J.
DRC |
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Rick Rowell, Photographer
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Canoga Park | CA | Usa | Posted: 9:19 PM on 01.12.04 |
| ->> I never really knew V.J. but I knew others who did and I only heard possitive things about him. he will be sorly missed by all who new him and knew of him. seeing his work over the years in newspaper and magazines, it seemed as if he had a sixth sence when it came to baseball. A great photographer and I'm sure even a greater person. I pray for his family and friends. |
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Paul Cunningham, Photo Editor
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New York | NY | US | Posted: 9:42 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> V.J. was the first individual photographer that I was ever aware of. As a teenager, baseball was my life and V.J.'s images in Sports Illustrated were incredibly captivating.
My first meeting with him was on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida during the 1997 World Series.
V.J. and I both brought our gloves and we had a catch on the beach. Boy did he love to throw and talk pitching. I'll always remember the joy V.J. had just throwing the ball.
Today is a sad day, I lost one of my heros. |
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Ron Vesely, Photographer
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Woodridge | IL | USA | Posted: 10:01 PM on 01.12.04 |
->> I miss you, VJ......
Ves |
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Rod Mar, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 3:22 AM on 01.13.04 |
->> (The following is from Matt Breneman):
I had met VJ at a Ducks game a few years back. A few months ago I assisted during the Ducks team mug shoot (for the NHL mugs). Bob Bender reintroduced us at that shoot. VJ remembered meeting me before. Bob then told him, "Matt has a little boy with Leukemia".
VJ put his hand on my shoulder and guided me away from the group so as to have a little privacy. He went on to ask how old my son was and how he was doing. He then shared some personal and thoughtful things with me - obviously speaking from experience.
It didn't matter that there was a line of players enroute (and we weren't ready), he stopped and took his time to extend his prayers and encouragement.
As others have said, "there wasn't an ounce of arrogance in him." |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 3:42 AM on 01.13.04 |
->> We have all been touched in one way or another not only by V. J.'s great work in the magazine, but also his kindness, good nature and fighting spirit.
I think one of my most personal and vivid memories of V. J. is standing with him in the outside 3rd base photo box at Dodger Stadium, talking baseball and telling funny stories about how our wives can't program the VCR for us to tape the X-Files. It made covering a mid - July night baseball game ... enjoyable.
And that was the way V.J. was.
V. J. will certainly be missed ...
Bert.
ALSO --- for those of you who never had the pleasure of meeting V.J. Lovero or attended one of the sessions he conducted at the first Workshop & Luau and last year's ... you should check out a couple of short videos of him made during the 2002 World Series:
http://www.sportsshooter.com/special_feature/2002_world_series/index.html |
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Howard Curtis Smith, Photographer
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Rockville Centre | NY | USA | Posted: 8:43 AM on 01.13.04 |
->> God's speed Mr Lovero.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Trish, John, and Jay.
Does anyone know if there is a charity or foundation to which we can give in his name? |
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Scott Rovak, Photographer
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Ballwin | MO | USA | Posted: 10:44 AM on 01.13.04 |
->> If there is one thing I know, the Baseball Greats in Heaven just got one hell of a Team Photographer.... that line written by John Grieshop above is the best line I have ever read to describe one of my biggest inpirations. My last favorite memory of V.J. is when we were covering Mark McGwire's pursuit of Home Run #62. While I begin this 2004 baseball season I will think of you V.J. always!
Scott |
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Mark Buckner, Photographer
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Arnold | MO | USA | Posted: 11:19 AM on 01.13.04 |
->> I told V.J. many times, and am proud to say it again here: I consider V.J. to be responsible for most of the success I've had in this business. From that first phone call years ago asking if I'd be interested in helping out with upper Deck's expansion into hockey, he was simply the best. During what I call my "Upper Deck Decade" I got to do some amazing assignments that were exceedingly rewarding, both professionally and personally. Through the group of guys he put together I also made some lasting friendships that I continue to treasure today, despite the fact that our paths cross so infrequently. The common thread, of course, was V.J.. I am forever in his debt, and will miss him so much I really can't put words to it.
Kathy's and my thoughts now of course are especially with Trish and the boys, as we continue to pray for their strength and comfort.
Godspeed, V.J. -- We love you.
Buck |
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Ken Murray, Photographer
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Broomfield | CO | US | Posted: 12:04 PM on 01.13.04 |
| ->> God Bless you V.J. |
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David G. McIntyre, Photographer
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Hong Kong | ** | China | Posted: 12:04 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> When I worked in Arizona, Spring Training was the time to see VJ and enjoy his love of the game and also rental cars.
I remember when I was struggling as a photographer, and VJ and Upper Deck were just starting out. He gave me a chance to go out and shoot for him and Upper Deck. I shot alot of film, but he helped me learn so much about shooting baseball from a different perspective. From the portraits that he would do for the SI baseball preview issue, to all the other shots too. Also riding around with him sometimes was great, because of his love of test driving rental cars to the max. He would take the curve near Tempe Diablo Stadium like a pro-race car driver.
The other thing I have as the ultimate memento of VJ's, is his original Canon 400/2.8 L. I bought it from him in 1988, when he changed to Nikon. I have thought of VJ every time I used the lens, and have never sold it. I still remember the day I got it from him, and he said that it was a tough parting for him. That lens had a lot of memories. When I shot the Hong Kong handover from 1997 with it, I felt as if VJ was there with me as I made the key moment shot with the lens.
VJ, I never could watch a baseball game with out thinking of you or seeing if it was you in the background shooting it.
I am glad to know that God has you on his team now, and that you will be with the other 'ANGELS!!!!'
David from Beijing |
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John Cordes, Photographer
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Orange County | CA | USA | Posted: 2:32 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> Tuesday 1-13-04. This is going to be my first full day since 1981 that I wont be able to see or talk to VJ other than looking up to the sky. Most of my adult life has been with him in my life some place. I just cant believe he isnt around.
There is no shortage of stories about VJ and no shortage of things learned from him, and all of it good, He changed are small little photo world into something so much better than it is.
One good VJ lesson that anyone can do is simply ask others how they are and do they need anything. Then, and this next part is very important in fact it is the key, if they say, things could be better, LISTEN to that person and if they need something, anything HELP them.
If you can do these two simple yet amazing things you will have people like Brad Mangin drop everything they are doing, drive 500 miles to see you, ask you what can he do for you and not want anything in return.
You can have an A list of people like Brad Smith, Scott Clark, Maureen Grise, Steve Fine just to name a very, very few come from all over the country, just to say hi and ask what can I do for you.
You can have friends like Bob Binder and Debbie Robinson and Phil Ellsworth come to your side and do the most kind and human things for you. The loyalty and compassion would leave you speechless and forever touched. Bob, Deb, Phil you three humble me.
There have been so many heroic acts by so many people, it is just cool to watch people at there best wanting nothing more than to give.
VJ made kindness look so simple, just like photography.
So here I sit on full day number one reading all of your kind posts and I realize that even know VJ is making changes in our world that will benefit us all.
God keep you VJ and tell your brother Peter about all of us. John. |
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Jeff Carlick, Photographer
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Redwood City | CA | USA | Posted: 2:57 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> My eyes are tearing having read the words of fellow photographers, which sparked so many memories of V.J. I am so grateful that I was able to visit V.J. on Saturday. It was so incredibly hard, but I will cherish every moment I ever had with V.J. His passion for life, his family, his friends and, of course, baseball and photography will always be an inspiration.
My favorite times with V.J. were the quiet ones. It would be some regular season night game (there were seemingly thousands) and V.J would shoot a few innings, then go into the Angels clubhouse and hang out (no doubt picking a pitcher's brain about the craft). Then about the 7th, he'd come back to the photo wells and we'd shoot and talk. My favorite times.
There were so many, though. Hanging out in the press room long after games, where Homer the bartender would tee up whatever you'd want and we'd talk about anything and everything and listen to stories from John Moynahan (sp?). Or after day games when we'd play catch in the parking lot. Mel Baily, hands down, had the coolest glove.
Or the couple times I'd get together with V.J. and we'd go to the local park. I'd strap on his old little league catching gear and he'd throw about 80 percent cause I'm not that good of a catcher. He had a pretty good curve, though. And he was learning the splitter.
I think one of the things that seperated V.J. with other shooters was how he studied the game. He was always talking with the pitchers, then taking it to the field where he played in adult leagues. I think that knowledge carried over to the camera. Of course, that was just an added edge. The rest was just V.J.
My old friend, even though I didn't see you very much after I moved to the Bay Area, you were always there, always. I will miss you so much. We all will. Rest in peace V.J. You left your family, Trish, John and Jay, with all your love and all your heart. You did good.
I love you,
Jeff Carlick |
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Shelly Castellano, Photographer, Assistant
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Huntington Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 3:09 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> On behalf of the SS who have sent in donations I will be purchasing a nice bouquet of flowers as well as a few live rose bushes to be planted at his home. Our growth will continue because we knew of him, may we give back something to his family to show our eternal gratitude for sharing him with us!
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, January 16, 2004 at the Holy Family Cathedral, 566 South Glassell Street in Orange, Calif. (714) 639-2900
http://www.hfcathedral.org/ |
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Jed Jacobsohn, Photographer
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San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 3:18 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> I first met VJ when I was a sixteen year old punk kid working for UPI in the Bay Area. I was at an A's game and saw his MLB/SI pass that allowed him to go any ballpark in the country. Having just started out shooting sports, I religiously scanned the pages of SI looking at the bylines of the photographers. VJ's name was synonymous with baseball and boxing photography, the two sports that I was most interested in shooting. I was star struck. I was talking myself into going up to him an introducing myself, but was too nervous at first. Finally I went up to him and said "You're VJ Lovero? I want to let you know that you are my idol!" Expecting to be blown off by this top SI photographer, I received the exact opposite response. He was very friendly and open to my questions. He became an inspiration to me and not just for his photography, but for how to handle yourself as a human being. Not only was he a the top of his profession, but he was a true friend and a very giving person. I was lucky enough to be able to shoot with him at baseball and boxing events for the next fourteen years. Often the first thing I would do is ask if VJ was at the event. If so, I knew I was in for a good time. One of the most recent was at spring training last year in Arizona when we both got the assignment to shoot a fight in Las Vegas. We decided to drive together to the fight, the only problem being was that I had a crappy midsize car from Avis. That was not going to do. We ended up getting a huge red Cadillac that was perfect for the four hour drive. It was a great drive, telling stories and just shooting the shit just like we always did. I'll never forget that. I also had the pleasure of shooting next to VJ in last two games at the World Series this year. In particular, game five in Florida, Scott and VJ were out in a corner next to the Yankee bullpen in an undesignated spot and I asked if I could squeeze in with them. There was a moment before the game when Roger Clemens was warming up and they were playing that cheesy get fired up song "right here right now" on and I was just standing there with VJ and we both had tears in our eyes, knowing that this was probably going to be his last World Series. I will never forget you VJ.
Jed |
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Ross Dettman, Photographer
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Bensenville | IL | USA | Posted: 3:45 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> I didn’t know V.J. that well, but I certainly knew of him. We only crossed paths a couple times over the past couple of years. Fortunately for me, one of those times was just a few months ago.
This past fall while covering game 5 of the NLCS in Miami, I happened upon V.J. in the photographer’s workroom near the third base photo box. The game was about to begin, and he was taking a break out of the heat for a little bit. He asked me about what I was doing and gently teased me about why I was still in the workroom. I explained that I had forgotten a Pocket Wizard for an outfield remote I had set up for a potential Cubs victory celebration image. He was curious about what kind of picture I was looking to make and we talked about it.
His response was something like, “that’s a great idea. I’d love to see that picture. I hope you get a chance to make it.” He smiled and wished me luck. On that day, I knew he was feeling a bit under the weather, the heat and humidity were fairly oppressive. Yet he still found a way to offer kinds words and a smile – to an acquaintance.
I had heard from many colleagues how genuine and kind he was and on that day I saw a glimpse of it.
My prayers are with him, his family and close friends. |
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Grover Sanschagrin, Photographer, Assistant
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Albany | CA | USA | Posted: 6:05 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> Those of you looking to send flowers, make donations, or attend any of the memorial events scheduled can get all those details here:
http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1090
The story was just updated with additional info. |
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Jeff Lewis, Photographer
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Long Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 10:21 PM on 01.13.04 |
->> I met V.J. on a little league baseball field while shooting his son playing. From this meeting, VJ got me into an Angel game.
This was the first time I had ever shot a Major League Baseball game.
I will always be thankful for meeting him and for him inspiring to reach greater hights in photography and he will always be an inspiration to me in the future.
You will be missed VJ.
Jeff Lewis |
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Jose Carlos Fajardo, Photographer
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Walnut Creek | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 2:07 AM on 01.14.04 |
->> I didn't know V.J. that well but that didn't stop him from saying hi to me everytime we saw each other. Over a year ago V.J. came to San Francisco to shoot an assignment on Dusty Baker. It was late during a day game and there wasn't many shooters left. We were standing in the photo well behind homeplate and a fight errupted. I don't even know what happen. It doesn't matter. The best part was Dusty Baker came out and starting yelling at the homeplate umpire. V.J., myself and now that I think about it Justin Sullivan was there as well. We started making pictures. Good pictures. Nothing great. But it was better than anything else that happened that day. After the dust settled we both looked at each other and smiled. I shared a moment with V.J. This is why we do the things we do. We love being photographers. We love being a witness to something and being able to capture that moment in time. He was shooting film and I was shooting digital. He glanced at my images and replied I hope mine are as good as yours. I told him he didn't have anything to worry about. You're V.J. Lovero! You always get the shot.
Thanks V.J. for being the one guy that always made an effort to talk to the other guy sitting by himself.
My prayers go out to his wife, family, and friends, but especially to his sons John and Jay. I lost my dad when I was only 3 months old. I know my father keeps a close eye on me. John and Jay...you're dad will always be with you.
Jose |
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Nhat V. Meyer, Photographer
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San Jose | CA | USA | Posted: 2:41 AM on 01.14.04 |
->> I just met V.J. for the first time this past Sept or Oct when he was in town for some Giants games - I think because of Bonds -
I had seen him the past several years but was too intimidated to go up and talk to him so I never had - but I did, on accident, this past fall.
I saw V.J. from behind working on a remote camera and thought he was someone else, so I walked up to him and called out that other persons name and when he turned around I was like Oh crap that's not my friend that's V.J. - so I mumbled something and scampered away.
I felt really bad about it - I was thinking crap I just called this legend of sports photography the wrong name, how much of a dufus am I? I saw him about an hour later and I went up to him and I said, "Hi, your V.J., I'm sorry I called you someone else's name." He was amazingly nice about it, he even apologized for not remembering my name - even though we had never met before. And from reading other peoples posts that's just the kind of guy he was, a supernice guy.
So I was wrong - he was my friend and he was a friend to every photographer out there. I just wish I had had the guts to go up to him earlier.
my sympathy to all his family and friends...
nhat. |
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Greg Haerling, Student/Intern
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Santa Barbara | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 1:38 PM on 01.14.04 |
| ->> I only met V.J. a few times, but I was always amazed about how unbelievably nice he was to me. As a student, I was first intimidated to approach the man whose pictures I admired. After two or three minutes, I realized what a great guy V.J. was. I hope that everyone who was privileged to talk with him has taken away a piece of a guy who will always be remembered for his knowledge and his charm. Embarking upon my own career as a photographer, I was lucky enough to meet someone who not only represented what it is to be a good photographer, but above all, what it is to be a good man. I wish that I had the chance to get to know V.J. better, but I will never forget the times that I spent in his company. |
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