11 April, 2011

Go South Young Man

In early 1998, Richard FitzGerald told me to contact Susan B. Acton to "figure out this Design Manager thing"!
I met with Susan who gave me a brief introduction to a computerized design business model.
By 1999, R. FitzGerald & Company was fully computerized (though Serena refused to give up her typewriter)...
I had photographed a few projects for Susan in New England and so when Susan asked if I'd be willing to go to Wellington Florida to photograph two projects she had just finished,
I thought...
My wife, Jennifer, was 8 months pregnant with our second child at the time but the Gynecologist the day before I left said "Oh don't worry, your wife isn't due for 2 weeks" (did I just give away the ending).
After two days of shooting and diner at the International Polo Club in Wellington, I said goodnight to Jennifer on the phone and went to bed at 11:30pm. At 12:34am my phone rang, "MY WATER JUST BROKE!!!"
With the gracious assistance of Florence at Jet Blue I was booked on the first flight out that morning, now what, I'm wide awake...
So I went with Susan's trusted associate, Liz, to the house we had been shooting and from 1:15am - 4:30am took night shots of the exterior and the landscape. I of course got to the hospital with plenty of time to welcome our second daughter Eloise Catherine Lee!
Oh and Susan B. Acton's project was published in Wellington Magazine.
On Thursday, I will be returning to Florida again, this time Palm Beach, to photograph over 3 days a wonderful project by Susan B. Acton and I am looking forward to a very uneventful shoot!
Warm Regards,
Michael J. Lee

4 comments:

Yvonne Blacker said...

What an amazing shot and a great story!

Michael J Lee said...

Thanks Yvonne, I'll never forget that night and preceding day!

Phil said...

Susan Acton is one of the great designers and so easy to love.She and I go way back a long time and into the Junior League days of Showhouse. Looking forward to seeing all your shots of her latest project in Palm Beach I know you will be working hard but I know Susan will make it fun

Michael J Lee said...

Phil,
I couldn't agree more, Susan is a joy to work for and such a role model as a designer and business person!