04/29/2023
5 years ago - 2018 - while working on the Bill film, I clawed my way up the ladder at Vogue to shoot some photos using a replica of a camera Bill first used in 1967 - An Olympus Half-Frame. Most certainly not to pretend to be Bill, but just because I thought it might be fun. The fancy famous people were fun to shoot. But the most rewarding was who was next to me. At 87, he was certainly the oldest of the photographers there. When someone famous arrived he’d shout to me, “Who is it, who is it”? I’d shout back, “It’s Katy Perry. It’s Madonna.” He slowly stood-up - cocked his camera, took a few shots and sat back down. During a brief moment of “quiet” I leaned down and shook his hand. “I’m Mark What’s your name?”. He said, “I’m Ron Galella. Thanks for the names.” (In the very loud flurry of the night my brain was on overload. “Ron Galella?” How do I know that name? Then he asked me who I was shooting for. I said no one, that I was working on a film about Bill Cunningham and just wanted to see what it was like to shoot pics at a Met Gala. He said, “Oh, I loved Bill. I’ve known him forever.” Wait. My brain kicked in. “You’re Ron Galella. Wow. What an honor.” Just then Diane Von Furstenberg arrived and came right up to us and said, “Hiii Ron.” He smiled and took a snap then sat right back down. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some pretty cool and special people - famous or not during the process of making the Bill movie. But nothing came close to spending ninety minutes next to one of NYC’s other warrior legends of street photographer, Ron Galella. On days like this, when Ron’s family, friends and fans are celebrating his one-year’s passing - RIP Mr. Galella. Sure was glad to meet you when I did. .bozek
