My Photo Secrets Revealed

Since posting the bit about my New York adventure, several folks have remarked about my photo with Mary Poppins. While I would like to think my computer skills warrant the high praise, there really wasn't much to it. Really. All I did was stand in front of the over-sized poster hanging outside the theatre. The poster had been specially installed so that Poppins-wannabes and other fans could have their photo snapped alongside every child's dream nanny. Kinda felt like a wide-eyed kid posing with an assortment of over-sized plush-covered cartoon characters in so many Disneyland holiday photos. (Isn't it interesting that all those characters have a lot to say in their films but are absolutely silent in person? Must be amazing performance rates in their contracts!) But I digress.

Even though the photo posted on that earlier blog entry was created through no trick photography or computer magic, the result was surprisingly difficult to achieve. The following earlier attempts at publishable quality images underscore the point.

Here, a rather nervous me isn't quite sure I'll like the flying thing. Had a bit of trouble with the lift-off.

Mary makes it all look so easy, doesn't she? Well, since I do believe in magic, I opted to give it another try. Not sure if my pleading for assistance or the petting of her arm was gonna help, however.

Unfortunately, a bad camera angle makes my pre-flight practice session look like an X-rated groping session! The next image may not be suitable for all readers of this blog. Viewer discression is advised.

Looks like I'm as shocked with the result of that effort as Mary was. Thank goodness her parrot umbrella/security guard is well trained.

Finally, after four attempts, the camera, Mary and I get ourselves co-ordinated and the final photo was worth publishing. Gosh but posing for photos is hard work. No wonder stars try to avoid the papparazzi. On the other hand, the experience was good training should I ever decide to take to the stage. Now I only have to work on my singing and dancing. Thank goodness my parents had me in pantomime classes all those years ago. Excuse me while I get back to brushing up on those skills.