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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 knew there was something out there for me, but I had no idea of what that might be.
What was one of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on?
In 2003 I self assigned myself to spend 6 weeks in Thailand photographing Thai Boxers, mostly with a film camera.
Can y0u remember the first time you got paid to take a photogrpah?
It wasn’t the first, but an early job for me was for a college alumni magazine. I was assigned to photograph a food writer for the cover. The editor loved the images; she hired me often over the next 20 years until she herself retired. The food editor is currently publishing a book and is using our 20 year old magazine cover image on the book cover! I love when an image ends up meaning something significant to a single human, you never quite know when you create a photograph what that image might become to somebody.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you do?
Lots of things! I’ve always been interested in medicine, in particular psychiatry but also public health. I’m interested in the business world too- I would be fascinated to get an MBA. That being said, the ultimate dream for me would be to write and direct films.
When you need it, what inspires you?
Inspiration for me comes from being in remote, outdoor locations. If I’m far enough off grid that my phone does not connect, that’s success.
How do you get your news?
I read the news online. Then, I call my 86 year old father (retired professor) who loves to debate with me about current events.
What do you know now, you wish you’d known when you first started out?
It all works out as long as you are mentally present.
What might surprise people about you?
I love being home. I schedule myself days where I don’t have to leave the house- even if I am working all day, I love being home.
What were you like as a 10 year old?
At ten I was 100% sure I wanted to be a race horse jockey. My parents were not keen on this idea, instead I played classical violin and ran track. Things come full circle, I now have an 11 year old daughter who is obsessed with horses. We ride together every week!
When was the last time you watched the sun rise?
I am typically awake for sunrise. My favorite sunrise ever was in Chilean Patagonia in 2016- my then 7 year old son and I rose early to take pictures together. We ended up enveloped in one of those misty, magical blue mornings where the sun is not visible but the levels of light gently lift. Together we created photos of a dock surrounded in blue mist, one of my favorite images. I’ll forever think of that special morning when I view that image, particularly as he is now a teenager.
What superpower would you want?
Shapeshifter. You could start the day at the bottom of the ocean as a sea creature, have lunch at your favorite human restaurant, and finish the day soaring over the mountains in the form of a condor- or dragon!
What is your dream assignment?
In all honesty, a dream job for me is all about the people I get to collaborate with.
What celebrity (actor, writer, musician) would you most want to have dinner with?
Steven Spielberg.
What are the top 2 things on your bucket list?
#1 When I grow up I want to be an old woman.
#2 Write and/or direct a film.