I met Robyn at a comic book store in the valley. Wanted to take her picture almost instantly, but found myself in an awkward spot. There were several people mulling around in the shop, she was working there next to a co-worker, and…well, that was it, but that was more than enough to make it uncomfortable for me.
Because I knew how it’d come off to everyone in there, it’d come off like I was trying to ask her out, which felt to me the worst thing possible. How gauche to ask out the girl who works at the comic book store, the cool nerd, I was sure she’d get that all the time, many nerds crashing up against the shores trying to ask out the only not-completely-intimidating woman they’d come across.
This is what happens in my brain when I see someone I want to photograph, this is the mental calculus involved. How much do I want to take their picture? What kind of public humiliation am I facing if I go through with it? What are the odds of success, weighed against the other factors?
And it was a very close thing. She was definitely worth the attempt, but there were just too many eyes watching me. And I definitely do not like being watched.
Which is where Andy came in. Andy, who has actually been responsible for me finding several of my models. Andy, who is for all intents and purposes, my pimp. On one occasion he even told me to hand my card to a woman we were standing in front of.
Good man, that Andy.
This time, Andy went up and introduced himself, which meant I had to introduce myself. He then made sure to let both employees know that I was a photographer, which is where I pulled out my card, told Robyn I wanted to photograph her, and made a hasty and adrenaline-filled exit.
Good man, that Andy.
Very good, because shooting Robyn was a hoot. 19, never done any modeling, at first quite uncomfortable. Unmolded clay!
So I just started talking and didn’t stop until she was laughing and relaxed. Which was easy, the lady’s a blast to talk to, and a blast to shoot. We’ve shot twice since I first spotted her in that comic book store, she’s a helluva dame. Loves comics, tattoos, Hunter Thompson, Grant Morrison. Mighty glad to have met her.
Good man, that Andy.
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