In 2005 I am called by director Todd Field to do stills on his film "Little Children." My first day on set I know I am in for a treat, for one of the great joys of my career is to behold talented people at work, and there is here prodigious talent all around the lens, including actors Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly and Patrick Wilson. As a gesture of introduction I have signed copies of my book Kindsight placed in the trailers of these lead actors. I say nothing about it and continue my work, which is to get stills that honor the spirit of the film and its characters so to help promote it, and to do this in a professional, mindful way that does not distract the actors from their work and focus. That's the nature and beauty of film production at it's best: everyone working in harmony, with professionalism, toward a common goal. I am so impressed by Kate, who though perhaps the leading female movie star in the world and obviously venerated by the other actors who themselves are way up on the A list, is so down to earth and real. She doesn't disappear between setups, but hangs around the set talking with the director (Todd) and spends much time on the phone with her children, who are clearly the shining stars of her life. One morning a few weeks into filming, Kate gives me a warm hug, thanking me for the book. "I finally opened it and couldn't put it down - it's wonderful!" I'm still smiling from this moment. One weekend day off I'm downtown in the bright sun on my phone and see someone down the block, backlit from where I stand, waving at me. It's Kate, with her children, heading to the pharmacy to pick something up. I'm amazed that this major film star can walk anonymously in New York like this but such is her gift, her power, her pure down to earthness. We stay in touch occasionally after filming and, a few years later I ask for, and she kindly grants me, a bit of time to make a photo for Kindsight 2. I arrive at her apartment, where she's just returned from London and has an important reshoot on a film the next morning. She finishes feeding her kids. In a white tee shirt with barely, if any, makeup, Kate is radiant. We start by a window with soft light, then she suggests sitting on her daughter's bunk bed holding two stuffed dolls from her childhood. I recognize the trust she's giving me, which I respectfully honor. Our mission accomplished, we bid farewell and I head out to the dusky New York streets, grateful and enriched to know Kate and to have basked in her warm light.
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