The closer the date got, she told me that Gloria Steinem was going to be her keynote speaker, and I got really excited, I mean with all the amazing things she has done to move women forward I was ecstatic! My excitement took over and I asked Roweena if I could have 15 minutes with her so I could do a portrait, and she said yes!
The day of the event came and I had my set up ready to go, and I was thinking about what to tell her when she finally came to the door for the portrait. Things ran a little late and I only got 3 minutes and 45 seconds to talk to Gloria, make her comfortable, and do the portrait. With the time limitation I got a little nervous and the only thing I said was, "two of my idols did your portrait and now I get to photograph you" while my friend/assistant yelled "no pressure!" I did the portrait in that limited time with a room fool of people waiting to talk and take "selfies" with her, I kept calm and took my portrait and then we went on with the VIP reception and the event.
She was obviously amazing, poised and perfect. She has done this a million times so the shoot went great. I am pleased with the result and the fact that it was done right around her 80th birthday makes it more meaningful.
I waited this long to share the picture because I wanted to make sure it was what it represented her well. Take a minute to visit The Blossom Project website and donate.
Here's the portrait, I called it "Glorious Gloria" and I love it.
"A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men." - Gloria Steinem
