Free Alec! Yes, I was lucky enough to photograph Alec Baldwin at The One Show last week. Yes, given his reputation, I had some mild trepidation. But let me say this: he was extremely professional, gentlemanly and cooperative. He was very giving, especially to the shy and timid among those who asked to be photographed with him. He was direct but never rude. He set boundaries but they were few and reasonable. If asked politely, he complied to extend the boundaries. He was timely. As host for the evening’s festivities he was enjoyably entertaining and hysterically funny. Did I get everything I could have wanted? No. But that’s not why he was there. We both had our jobs to do and we did them. Afterward, on his way out, he looked at me and thanked me.
I’m sorry to hear of his latest run-in with notoriety. I wasn’t there, I don’t know the details and I’m not going to defend anything he may have done that was wrong or illegal. But I want to add this: I do have sources who have told me how often he is targeted, set-up and baited by those who stand to profit from his desire for privacy and his willingness to defend those wishes. I would further say that I have been victim to several who have flouted, disobeyed, or otherwise ignored the bicycle rules and lanes–in front of the authorities–and nothing happened to them. Of course, they weren’t celebrities. It would be nice if people could appreciate his work and leave him alone. Free Alec!
–Written by photographer Ric Kallaher.
Alec Baldwin on stage as emcee of The One Show, and off-stage posing with a shy fan.
Photos: Ric Kallaher.
