Revised 07-14-11
We get up at a too-uncivilized hour to drop off our car and catch our flights to Marseille. Air France loses our two duffels with our tripods and even more important now, as we re-scout the area for our workshop, my road atlas with all my markings and notes. Fortunately, we know this area, but with all the little lanes, it would be so much easier with the atlas. We did not own Gertrude (our GPS) the last time we were here.
The lady at Lost Baggage tells me this is not unusual. This happened on an earlier flight this morning. I tell her we are professionals, and there is critical equipment in our duffels, incuding tripods, that we must have. She puts a priority on the search. The forms are filled out, and there is nothing else we can do at this point.
We pick up our car.
Gertrude behaves, and for the last part of our journey, she takes us through roads so narrow that Arnie wonders if she has lost her mind. She hasn’t, and we arrive at our charming auberge in the Luberobn area of Provence. We have not stayed here before, and we find that our hosts, Françoise and Pierre are equally charming and welcoming. We like them and settle in.
A late lunch with some local wine and freshly-baked, crusty pain are perfect. Françoise is an amazing cook. Not a professional chef, she cooks with love and passion. She prefers local, traditional fare, and it is delicious!
I get some work done, while Arnie gets a much-needed-and-deserved nap.
There is a group finishing up their stay at the auberge, and we end up talking about photography. I ask them if they know of Henri Cartier-Bresson. What Frenchman (or woman) would not?
Of course, they say, “Oui,” and I tell them of a chance encounter I had with him. The two of us photographed together for several hours one afternoon in Paris. I wrote about it in my blog called My Meeting with Henri.
Recently, Arnie discovered a recently-posted video of a filmstrip that his cousin, Sheila Turner, picture editor for Scholastic magazines, and Cornell Capa, who started ICP, made in 1973 of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Arnie was around at the time these filmstrips (only those with gray hair will recognize this term) were made and sat in on the editing of some of them at Cornell’s apartment over drinks, dinners, and conversation. How lucky he was!
Arnie remembers that Sheila and Cornell made five or six videos, including ones of Ernst Haas (someone I also knew) and Bruce Davidson (a photographer whose work Arnie has long admired.) We hope that eventually, all these filmstrips will be published. They were, at the time, ground breaking, showing insights into photographers and their work. Sheila and Cornell did these pieces as a way or promoting both Scholastic and ICP. What treasures these filmstrips are!
Originally, we had posted a link to a Vimeo video of the film strip, but it was removed. Sheila’s daughter contacted Arnie, and we guess that she now holds the copyright to these filmstrips. We told her we hoped that they would be shared, so others could appreciate and learn from these remarkable pieces.
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I love Provence! I spent a summer there living in Marseille (not my favorite city) but love the countryside and especially Cassis. Looking forward to seeing your photos!
We agree about Marseille. It is a rough and tumble city with a long history of roudy sailors and back alleys. To be sure, it has changed, but it certainly does not have the charm of Paris, for example.
Out base is in Oppède, a lovely old village perched atop a hill. We are down on the plains, but we are so close to so many of the villages we love.
Thanks for commenting, and take care,
TBC
Sorry to hear about your luggage, especially since your equipment was in it. How exciting, I watched this video this weekend; and was so moved by it. I wrote a bit in my journal about not limiting yourself. True talent to be able to capture life as its happening. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully, this will inspire others as well. Bonne Chance!
Benita,
Some of our equipment was in it. The important items — camera bodies, all lenses — never leave us. The tripods, however, cannot practically be brought as carry-on, and they are ciritical to many of our shots. Also, some filters were there, lens-cleaning cloths, and some other items that I use all the time.
Meanwhile, I’m so glad you enjoyed this video. Arnie was delighted when he found it, given the connection he has with it, and My Meeting with André experience and blog!
Take care, and thanks for writing,
TBC