Author: Pete Mecca

The last year has been a very strange and scary time for everyone. Governor Cuomo’s & Murphy’s stay-at-home Executive Orders seem to be working. It had been in effect since March 21st. This virus is tough but so many people in my community are working hard to follow the guidelines. As we approach the Christmas season there is a new variant called Omicron attacking the country and it is causing a very severe uptick in illness and hospitalization throughout the country.

As a former photojournalist and news producer, I have seen so many scenes of bravery by the people in the frontlines. The doctors, nurses, EMT people have done great work while risking their lives daily. We should not forget the public bus drivers, custodians, and everyone who has contributed their time and goodwill.

The teachers and the parents have had to work extra hard to keep the children safe while continuing to teach the children. The media and celebrities and professional athletes have all done their part.

“What’s true of all the evils in the world is true of plague as well. It helps men to rise above themselves.”
― Albert Camus, The Plague

“And we fight. We fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country any more.“

Donald Trump

YouTube

No heroes here except for the police.

In addition to Bresson, the photographer who had the most affect on me was Mel DiGiacomo. He was an important part of my teenage years and helped me during a rough period in my early adult life. I was his photo assistant during the early years of his photo life and learned how to use a camera , develop film and print in the darkroom.

Most importantly I learned how to see.

I reconnected with him recently and he allowed me to use his photos in this short film.

 

Film Pete Mecca

There are many kinds of mentors. Some are teachers, relatives, and friends. Mine was a beautiful blond named Jo-Anne Miller. When I met her I was in and out of college. I was floundering and was an angry young man because my basketball dream did not come through. She wanted to see the world and do different exciting things. She encouraged me to finish school and get the job that I wanted to do.

I did!

We decided to get married and spend some time in Spain & Portugal. I had never been on a plane and hardly ever traveled.

My wedding present was this camera, my first!

Finding Vivian MaierTrailer/ What a story!

Please watch.

Watch the story above about how she was found.

Photo Vivian Meyer

I think that Mary Ellen represents the one of best of the late 60’s & 70’s documentary photographers. I especially like the two photos I have put up underneath this great video.

She spent her life photographing the cops and the firemen of New York.

She devoted her life to street photography!

Mr. Parks was the first black photojournalist to work for Life Magazine and many other magazines from the 1940’s -1990’s. He was also one of the first to direct films like Shaft & many others.

He was a real artist.