Cheers: Eric Larson

I've been waiting several months since this fall's bourbon road trip to write an official "cheers" post about my friend Eric Larson, namely to give a plug for his sweet new site and branding that is still yet to be launched, but this week's big help on a quick job in Orlando for ESPN the Magazine is forcing my hand. Larson, seen above, was not only kind enough to assist me, but he also let me rent his gear, crash on the new office couch, pick me up AND drop me off at the airport, cook us breakfast, and even share some single malt scotch! Talk about a go-to guy!

Eric assisting me is pretty laughable because he's the first person I call when I have a question about just about anything. So cheers to you, Eric Larson! Thank you for your friendship, passion, dedication, undeniable talent, bitchin' taste in all things edible and liquid, very cool wife (Judyta says hi, Jen), and for truly being an inspiration for how to be a complete professional in this industry.

It was because of Eric's help that Tuesday was on its way to being an extremely good day at JLPFL, in what could have gone terribly wrong (two shoots in two cities, with a tight schedule). We got to Ilseworth Country Club right on time for the ESPN shoot early and had an easy set-up with the white seamless of golfer Charles Howell III, who was not only on time but also a really nice guy. We quickly got everything we needed and were out the door in amazing time, so much so that I was able to jump on an earlier flight back to Miami to gain a bit more time for an early afternoon shoot.

The lighting and background was already set up and ready to go for the corporate portrait shoot in the afternoon, and it was looking like a perfect day as I waited with my regular assistant Erica for the subject to arrive... and then the spell broke. The subject completely flaked out and cancelled the shoot on set moments before it was to start. What's more about 15 minutes later the sky literally opened up and it started to POUR. It was the first time that a shoot was killed on set for me, but the client is going to eat it to the tune of 100% of the estimated fees (plus earn the distinction of going on my "never again" list). Only time and the check's delivery will tell if the day actually did end perfectly (getting paid well to take a nap).

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Comments (1)

looks like he gave you his light too thats a true friend . . . . nice and crispy to boot

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