When I first moved back to New York in 1997, I started working for Howard Greenberg Gallery. It was there, amongst Howard’s vast library, that I discovered Albert Watson’s Cyclops. I had never heard his name, but I knew his pictures.
Out of all the books on the shelves, this was the one I would go back to the most. Was it the celebrity? The models? The syrupy browns and blacks of his photographs?
I tucked away this memory until 2017, when I was asked by Phase One to host a conversation between Albert Watson and Mark Seliger to be held at the Aperture Foundation.
Anyone that knows Albert Watson will know Mark Seliger. Two giants of photography specializing in portraiture, decades of working for the most well-known publications in the world.
Was I nervous? You bet your boots I was.
To ease my growing anxiety (or maybe even to increase it), I thought it a good idea to reach out to both, meet them individually and mine them for information that would make engaging talking points during the evening.
Although I never met Mark prior to the event, I spent time with Albert one afternoon. He couldn’t have been more kind and giving, telling story after story. I have since brought a student over to visit him for a quick impromptu portfolio review. It was a dream of that student to meet him, and I just happened to have a connection to this very generous photographer and human being.
I ended up speaking with Mark on the phone, which finished putting me at ease.
I can’t remember much about that night. I was still nervous, finding my way as the host and mediator. I do remember that Aperture was packed. I also remember starting to feel at ease as these two discussed two very long careers. They took over the controls until I was just able to lean back and enjoy.
Have you ever felt like you were a little out of your league? Did you pass on applying to something or approaching someone because you thought you weren’t ready yet?
I said yes to this invitation even though I could have come up with a list of reasons I was not the best person to sit in that chair on the same stage as these two.
Maybe it’s time to invite yourself to the stage even if you think you aren’t ready yet.
Michael Foley opened his gallery in the fall of 2004 after fourteen years of working with notable photography galleries, including Fraenkel Gallery, Howard Greenberg Gallery, and Yancey Richardson Gallery.
In 2002, Foley continued his interest in educating and working with artists by serving on the School of Visual Arts and International Center of Photography faculty. He currently teaches and lectures on contemporary photography issues at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
In 2020, he founded The Photo Community, which offers classes and commentary on contemporary photography.
Foley lives and works on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with his wife, Maya.
Loving these updates. I didn't even realize until now that you can comment back.
I appreciate this share, Michael. A year and a half ago I said yes to writing book reviews for the PhotoBook Journal and took on the expanding role of advisor with Pasadena Photography Arts. I get anxious hosting on-camera events and stressed about delivering "smart" reviews. I step out of my comfort zone a lot and wonder how I'm doing, you know? Earlier this year I invited noted artists, curators and gallerists to be on a panel discussion for an idea I had many years ago. The act of asking was a big deal in itself. During the planning stages I realized I was above my pay-grade (no, I don't get paid, but you know what I mean) and moderating was going to require more than I thought. It's like I jump first and look where I'm going to land once I'm in the air. Maybe not so safe but...I'm jumping.