Last week a special lady agreed to meet me for lunch in San Fran. Not special as in yellow bus special, special as in celebrity status (in my book). Leah McCormick, super-rad & humble fine art photographer dined Italian with me over Gnocchi di Fungi on Gough street. I'm a long time fan of hers, initially saw her work in PDN's Top Knots contest. Leah ROCKS. I admire her shooting style, humility, and unassuming character. She showed me that kindness should not be mistaken for weakness and shared lots of funny stories to illustrate. Irish Catholic & completely organic in character, (could've been a New Yorker) Leah's the nicest, sweetest, and most honest person I've met in a long time. She belongs to San Fran and I think San Fran belongs to her. I never imagined I'd meet her, on a whim I picked up the phone and called. She called back 5 minutes later. Sweeeeet 

In October 2007, I attended the Portland Joe Buissink workshop. A slightly feminist streak made me want to seek out the ladies of the industry instead of focusing on the men. No offense guys. Truth be told there are enough men leading us in the world. I'm interested in the meeting the fearless women in leadership roles. In January, I asked to have lunch with Susie Hamidi, Seattle's rockin' photojournalist. A fabulous experience, it made me want to repeat.  In case you're not a photographer, just like any other business, there are plenty of hatorade pools, lots of ripping off secrets among artists. But I don't want any part of it.Enough already with that redunkulous stuff.   Instead of kissing up to photographers to leech their mojo, why not invite them for dinner and do the opposite?

Having met with Leah & Susie made me feel good inside. These chicks are hard workers and shy away from fads in the arts. I feel SO lucky to live on the West Coast, filled with unique people from all walks of life. 

Turns out last Wednesday was Chinese New Year's Eve, fireworks went off, people frenzied the grocery stands. It was awesome!!!! Love San Fran. I'm going again Monday.