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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 did your 18 year old self see you becoming?
I would have to say something to do with animals.
What reality show would you invent?
It’s ironic, because I turned off my TV because of reality shows. But, if I had to invent one, a reality show/BTS of a large movie production, from start to finish.
What was one of the most interesting projects you worked on?
One of them was working for World Animal Protection in Afghanistan during the war in the early 2000’s. I documented the rescue and care of domestic, farm & zoo animals in and around Kabul. It’s amazing what this organization does and their dedication to saving animals, I was proud to be there with them. I was terrified at the time, but in hindsight it was an incredible experience.
Can you remember the first time you got paid to take a photograph?
Yes, I happened to be at the Berlin Wall when it came down and sold an image for $100, I couldn’t believe it, and it allowed me to travel for another week!
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you do?
Something with animals or the ocean.
When you need it, what inspires you?
So many things inspire me, but when I need a fix, a museum.
How do you get your news?
Online, NYT, WSJ, BBC, Vice, Al Jazeera, CNN, IHT, NPR is always on. Even Fox, it’s not easy, however, I like to be informed even if I vehemently disagree. I used to be a news junkie, these days not so much.
What do you know now, you wish you’d known when you first started out?
That everything is negotiable and that contracts are not set in stone.
What might surprise people about you?
My stamina & energy, when I’m shooting another gear kicks in, I don’t even need food or water lol, I’m all in. The chill Lou will return after the shoot/day.
What were you like as a 10 year old?
Curious. Very curious. Still am.
When was the last time you watched the sun rise?
I’m up before dawn most mornings, but I don’t really watch the sun rise. However, two weeks ago Ocean Beach in San Diego, on the dog side of the jetty, I did!
What superpower would you want? Feel free to invent one.
Power to dispense happiness, health care & food on a per need basis. And to bypass airports.
What is your dream assignment?
One that involves travel, trust, great chemistry and helps create brand awareness for a non profit or commercial organization that I believe in…and a long term partnership.
What celebrity (actor, writer, musician) would you most want to have dinner with? Have to select just one!
Richard Avedon