I was referred to a book publisher in New York who was looking for a photographer in Seattle to shoot a cover image of the Dalai Lama and Paul Eckman for a new book that will be released in Sept 2008 titled 'Emotional Awareness.' I was more than happy to accept the opportunity. I was to be at the Sheraton Hotel downtown ready for anything. My assistant and I showed up 3 hrs early only find out that the bomb sniffing dogs had already left and we were not allowed to bring in our lighting equipment! I scanned the hall and noticed groups of Tibetan monks sipping on Starbucks coffee, which was a bit surreal. I asked for some help in finding the proper people to direct me to a location for the shoot. I explained myself and was escorted to the top floor with a helpful volunteer from 'Seed of Compassion' where I met some photographers who were working with a 20x24 Polaroid camera. They were kind enough to allow us to use their lights so I set up a backdrop, Paul arrived and we waited for His Holiness. We planned our shots and when he arrived I shot from the moment he walked in with the secret service until he left; total 3 minutes! All said and done, I didn't have much of a spiritual awakening but having the opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama was a pleasure all in itself.
