The Opening of the San Francisco New Main Library

"A Library for the 21st Century"

May Day, May Day...(leetle joke)

I am proud to report that the City of San Francisco, my little town, opened the grandest of the grand, state of the art and art of the State- Main Public Library. This photograph was taken in the Children's Center on opening day. Comedienne Robin Williams spent his day reading awesome tales to the tots here. The facility is encroyable with over forty computers free to the public and wired to the Internet. Of course there's much, much more.





Speaking of library books, I was involved in the creation of one just yesterday. It all began when the tables were turned on me...well it was actually the camera's lens that was turned on me.

When anyone aims that turret my way I duck. Then I bellow over my shoulder walking away- "Don't you point that thing at me!" But this week I was invited to play myself, Mr. Music Photographer and I got into the groove and demonstrated the finer points of handling tri-pods, mono-pods, mini-pods and chest pods in "field" situations.

My good friend, highly regarded and prolific music photographer/writer Jon Sievert, is finally completing his book "Concert Photography: How to Shoot and Sell Music Business Photos." I was called to service as a model...can you believe that? At my age? Modeling!

Anyway here's the plug for Jon...

"14 chapters; 300 pages, learn how to get started, get established and get photo credentials...the ins and outs of shooting in performance at venues ranging from tiny clubs to stadiums, how to work backstage, and valuable tips for producing publicity and album cover shots.
You'll also find comprehensive information on identifying markets, selling and leasing your photos, protecting your rights, and choosing the right camera system, lenses, accessories, lighting, and film to meet concert photography's unique demands.

Sievert has been an active music business photographer for 25 years, 17 of them as the staff photographer for Guitar Player, Keyboard, and Frets magazines. His photos have appeared on more than 100 magazine covers, dozens of album/CD packages, and in countless books and publications worldwide, including Rolling Stone, People, Guitar World, The New York Times, Newsweek, etc."

Available: August 1996