Tribute To Tim Russert

Tim Russert, Rudy Guiliani, John Edwards, Radio City Music Hall, NYC 5-28-08

"Facing Edwards", Tim Russert, Rudy Guiliani, John Edwards, Radio City Music Hall, NYC 5-28-08

Tim Russert, Rudy Guiliani, John Edwards, Radio City Music Hall, NYC 5-28-08

As the story goes today, taking care of business at four in the afternoon, Chelsea Market, Manhattan, my phone rings but there is limited cell service for me inside that particular cavernous location. I check the message once outside and it is my mother crying, saying, I cannot believe this, I am in shock, this is unbelievable. My heart stopped, I thought the worst, my head-went there. After all, we are living in precarious times. I called her and I proclaimed, please tell me they didn't kill... And then the two words Tim Russert echoed across the miles. Tim dropped dead, just like that.

I am sad, I am a political and media junkie and I have spent many a Sunday morning, like millions, with Tim Russert. But I have to admit, I was relieved because I DID go there and if it had been what I thought for that suspended moment in time, all hell would have broken loose. Not that this is not as great a loss, as great as any, but if you can imagine what I was thinking then you know why I can freely admit some relief.

But the irony of all for me is this. As those on my montage distribution list realize, it has been a long time since I have sent any new imagery. If you recall, I said I would be redirecting my life and time for a bit and some of my activities would relocate to the back burner. I have been in school for three semesters and although shooting quite frequently, I have less time for creating my montages. Nonetheless, I happened to create this one a couple of weeks ago and intended to send it right away. Then I got distracted with other obligations and school work.

The reason I mention school is because ironically, I was in class when I got a phone call from a friend inviting me at the last minute, to a debate between John Edwards and Rudy Guiliani,moderated by non other than Tim Russert at Radio City Music Hall, the night of May 28, 2008. I was ready to decline as I have learned to say no to many things that do not fit into my immediate goals. But this one was too good. I could not say no. I was on my bike and I made it just in time. I was not an esteemed member of the photo press on assignment but I happened to have my trusty little Canon G9 point and shoot. Much to my surprise our seats were fourth row back, far left. I decided it was worth a try to capture this event. And I managed to capture some lovely images even without my main arsenal.

Tim's back was facing me. Mostly he was facing the ex-presidential candidates. But there were a couple of times when he turned just enough to catch his face. Two of those photos are posted here, along with the montage I created two weeks ago before this sad day would transpire. The montage was designed to highlight John Edwards whom I had the best view of. But I might have to rework it to accommodate what is now a day and a night I will always remember.

This is my own personal fortuitous homage to Tim Russert, a man, I believe that had a magnificent heart along with that great brain and ominpresent smile.

Enid Farber Fotography Home Page
Hand-Painted Selections
Tribute to Tim Russert
More Ray
Links-Promoting Others
Feedback & Order Form

Enid Farber has been documenting musicians since 1979, pursuing the definitive moment of the musicians' onstage performance and rare moments of their backstage relaxation.The camera is my instrument, in the best way that I can, I pay tribute to the musical artist, translating my love for the sounds they create into a photographic image which enables me to relive the experience long after the event. This way I have also been allowed to participate, and I, too, can play the music.