“Give her the space” said Tyler Perry as I struggled to get in position at the BET+ red carpet for Divorced Sistas. To my surprise… People Magazine was in the house and recorded the entire moment! Yours Truly went viral y’all… and I’m here to explain all the fun 🙂
First… take a look at the clip from People.com:
Life as a photographer has it ups and downs… I’m what you would call an event / red carpet photog which is truly a hustle. This particular red carpet event was loaded with visiting media from all over the country for BET Awards weekend here in LA. Most photogs & media are territorial about placements on the carpet… but I noticed a different kind of energy coming from a couple of outlets. As soon as I arrived to claim my spot… 2 women I had NEVER seen before was giving heat. One of them especially was like a powder keg ready to explode. She was all over the place fussing at everyone including security. Now mind you… I was the “house” photographer for the event. That means… I get the first shot and can roam / move wherever I need to get the job done. But something told me I needed to keep my distance and to keep the peace. This was not ordinary… so I decided to work around the noise and not confront it.
My strategy worked pretty well as the carpet was moving along and I was getting my shots. Low and behold… the one and only TYLER PERRY walked in and all hell broke loose. LOL, I did my best to keep it together with the rush and excitement from everyone. As cast members started to gather for a group shot…. most LA photographers understand the “house” role and will either submit or help to create a space for the shot. Babaaaay… the energy and hostility surrounding me on this day… no one was trying to let me in. And this is how I ended up behind the light pole. I stated my case and inserted myself into position the best way I could… but ya’ll part of my job is to avoid confrontations. The LAST thing I wanted was an argument or explosion in front of talent and guest.
BUT HE SAW ME!! Tyler Perry put on his boss hat and addressed the matter. Trust me.. I was going to get that shot by any means necessary… wrapped around pole with cameras swinging. I respect and love him so much for making it easier. From the mailroom to the executive office… he is a master of his craft and knows how each segment should work. Tyler Perry spoke up for me and said, “Give her the space”. And like a miracle… the waters opened up like the red sea.
Fun Note:
I’m from the ATL where Tyler Perry built his mega movie studio. A few years before it was built… I ran into him while filming “Good Deed.” I was taking a jog in my neighborhood (Avondale Estates) and saw the team filming at a school that was closed down. I didn’t approach.. but kinda hung around & watched the production in motion for a few minutes. It was so fascinated to see him and all of the work that goes into each segment. A couple of years later… I finally got the chance to photograph Mr. Perry a few times times before I moved to LA. This pic is one of my favs:
I’ve had the most amazing outpouring of love & support from friends and family. Sending a very special thanks to Mr. Perry, People magazine and the BET+ / Getty Images team for having me!
Click HERE to see more images from the Divorced Sistas event!
NEW BET+ ORIGINAL SERIES. Five friends find strength in their sisterhood as they face life’s hardships and learn to embrace the triumphs.
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