This portrait of Blues legend, John Mayall, was taken at the Los Angeles Photography Center, March 29, 1989; the last big photo session before my son was born. The unique back story about this session was that when I arrived at the LA Photo Center an hour before the shoot to set the lights, I discovered that 500 folding chairs had been delivered for a banquet the next evening - right on the cove where I was going to shoot! As I was heavily pregnant, it was impossible for me to move the chairs without risking going into early labor. Scanning the building for help, I noticed a tall, burly Hispanic man, dressed in a grey denim jumpsuit, standing at the far end of the studio. I approached him and explained my dilemma, and he kindly agreed to help. A small dolly was located and he began the daunting task of moving each and every one of the 500 chairs to the other side of the building. He had no sooner finished clearing the cove, when John Mayall arrived. Wearing shorts and his beautiful silver jewelery, John greeted me then turned to the man in the grey denim jumpsuit and said "Hi Coco!" Smiling broadly, he removed the grubby grey jumpsuit to reveal an elegant blue silk shirt and black pants. I was stunned. The man I had conscipted into service was one of John's BluesBreakers - none other than guitarist extraordinaire, "Coco Montoya."
After the session with John and the band was was wrapped, I asked Coco if I couldn't do some solo portraits to thank him for all he did for me. He smiled and accepted, giving us both a chance to laugh at the comical set of circumstances that brought us together that day!

This photo was awarded HONORABLE MENTION in the Summer 2010 Women In Photography International "FACES" Competition