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Paula Gren, Chief Executive Optimist
Mark Winer, Chief Executive Optimist
Hilary Weekes, Associate Chief Executive Optimist
ph: 978-352-4147
What reality show would you invent?
I’d start a show focused on people “competing” to be the most kind and generous they could be. The recipients would be people and strangers in the real world. All kinds of generosity and kindness would be encouraged, especially the idea of helping
rather than competing to win the show. In fact, I’d probably have the show twist at the end with no winner to emphasize the point of kindness over competition.
When was the last time you watched the sun rise?
Three days ago.
Can you remember the first time you got paid to take a photograph?
I was in high school and I shot sports for the local newspaper. I was so excited to have a “real” photography job and every time I saw my images in print I got a real thrill.
What’s the most precious thing you have ever lost?
My grandparents.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you do?
I would go out in the world spreading love. I’m not sure exactly what that would look like, but I would spend my days encouraging
people to love rather than to fear, to support one another, to be compassionate and understanding, to be communicative and kind and above all, love-centric and intertwined with the world.
What superpower would you want?
The ability to sleep through anything!
When you need it, what inspires you?
My family and friends, museums, sunsets, taking time off the grid without technology, hiking, traveling to places with big bodies of water, playing with my daughter.
What is your dream assignment?
Traveling around the country – or better yet, traveling the world (hello Bora Bora!) making portraits of real people in small towns. Think very simple: me, my cameras, a seamless, an assistant, and a client who wants to make gorgeous powerful images and a budget to get things done. I’d also love to spend a bunch of time in the South and in the swamps making portraits in the lush southern gothic magic. One other dream assignment would be shooting a huge portfolio of the world’s greatest thinkers from scientists to philosophers and everything in between.
What might surprise people about you?
I have played piano since I was four years old and I used to teach and compose. Sometimes I paint (not very well!) and I love to send handwritten cards.
What were you like as a 10 year old?
Smiles for miles!
What is your favorite thing to do?
Dance! My daughter loves it too – every day is a dance party all over the house.
What is your secret talent?
I’m a darn good baker and I usually bake without measuring precisely.
If you could be someone else, who would you be?
I wouldn’t!