I had a great phone call today with a new client. It’s a solid company that operates in an industry that interests me. It also values photography and the marketing director loves what I do. She is enthusiastic, supportive and motivating.
This, to be absolutely clear, is a dream client.
I would never have been put in touch with the firm had it not been for Ivan Misner – a man whom, until last Friday, I had never met.
Ivan is the founder of Business Network International (BNI) and I’m a member of one of Ireland’s premier BNI chapters. The introduction to my new client came through a former member of my group. He will be recognized properly once the work is done and the photography is out in the wider world. It’s a new product, so certain non-disclosure restrictions apply. Let’s just say I would never have met him had Ivan not created a forum for us to meet, and a structured channel through which to refer business.
Ivan was in Ireland last week to speak at the national members day at Clontarf Castle Hotel. I spoke with BNI Ireland and suggested that I produce a series of photographs that documented a typical day in his life.
Here is a selection of my favourites, with some notes. I should tell you that Ivan spoke twice on the day and that I’ve ordered these personal favourites of mine so they hang together better as a story. This editorial liberty means that a couple of the photographs are not in their genuine chronological place. Please direct any complaints to my ethics department.
Signing books and enjoying a joke with members. (c) Roger Overall 2010
Ivan gave a series of interviews during the day. Some booked in advance, some impromptu. (c) Roger Overall 2010
Ivan checks his email while waiting for a telephone interview with 4FM. (c) Roger Overall
Ivan talking to 4FM in Ireland on the 2010 National Members Day, Clontarf Castle Hotel, Ireland. (c) Roger Overall 2010
Ivan is a man of stature and I wanted a photograph that conveyed that. I figured out which side of the stage he'd go up and waited for him to be called. I would have like a few more members on their feet, but I do like the scale of the man compared to his audience. (c) Roger Overall 2010
I'm not sure what's going on here. The people around Ivan are all representatives from chapters that took in six or more new members in a short period of time. Quite what is happening with the lady's shoes is a mystery. I like the fact that everyone else is oblivious to the exchange. (c) Roger Overall 2010
Ivan is a phenomenal speaker. Here he is telling the story of his first live television interview. It was explosive - both the story and the telling. My favourite photograph of the day. For this I wanted to show the audience's perspective. (c) Roger Overall 2010
Roger,
Excellent photos. Iam just disappointed that I didn’t pass you on our dream referral! 2010 is still not over.
Allan
This is a superb capture of a dynamic subject. You’re pictures do great justice to the energy and composure of the man who, whilst being the centre of such a huge event, with everything around him moving at such a scheduled and rapid pace, appeared to be in slow motion and totally in control.
Well done Roger, it’s the true art of documentary photography.
Kind regards
Paul Allen
Thanks Paul.
I’m planning a short follow-up about how the day ended for me.
Thanks Allan.
Still six months left in the year…
Well done Roger – I met Ivan for the first time yesterday, now I can appreciate your pictures – you have definitely captured the real Ivan here
Regards
Michele
BNI Black Country UK
Enjoyed the photos, having just attended the Scotland event I understand these snapshots. Its important to understand how powerful he is but at the same time how humble. For me, a true inspiration captured in the images – well done
Thanks Michele!
It was the first time that I’d photographed anyone with any kind of celebrity. It was interesting to see how he dealt with the constant demands made of him on the day. I was struck by his ease and adaptability.
Wow, thank you for you kind words Colin.
Roger, of all the photograph that you must have taken, you publish the one of me brandishing my shoe at Dr Misner! All is forgiven though…great shot!!
Regards,
Fiona (CD Treaty Chapter)
Cleanwell, Shannon.
Great photos Roger. Thanks for what you do.
All the best.
Ivan Misner
Thanks Fiona.
I do love that picture. It’s one of those that you need to look at a couple of times to understand what is going on.
Thank you Ivan.
It was a privilege to stand in your shadow for a day.
As always Roger, superb work. I am disappointed I could not make it, looks like it was a wonderful day.
A story well told with plenty of interest. Skillful as ever Roger.
Excellent photos Roger – captured the enthusiasm and charisma of ‘The Man’ himself extraordinarily well. Well done!
Regards
Ann
Menapia Chapter, Wexford.
Exceptional work Roger. But why would that surprise me having seen your superb work previously.
Tim O Brien
Proud member of BNI Cork City Chapter.
Superb photography as always Roger. You managed to capture the true essence of the man. Documentary photography at its best.
Mary
Roger,
Just fantastic, not just a nice guy but a great photographer. Having attended the conference I was taken back to the day with each photo.
Bi curamach,
Jack..
Roger, Now we know that you can take great photos of a scene without making a scene. Well done and I look forward to seeing a more comprehensive memory of the day. Great to see B & W still has its own magic.
Thanks Tony. B&W still has a big place in photography.
Thanks Jack. Appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for your kind words, Mary.
Cheers Tim
Thank you Ann.
Thanks Gavin. It’s always a big boost to get praise from a photographer of your stature.
It was a great day, Ciaran. Learned a lot.
Excellent Roger.
I love the black and white, and one gets the feeling one is there – as I was on the day but relived.
True capture of how big a man he is.
Thanks Dan. It’s great to hear that the photographs capture what you saw and felt.
Excellent Roger. It was an amazing day captured by your amazing photos.
Paul
Love the Photos Roger. You capture the day perfectly. My favourite is the one of Ivan being reflected in the mirror as he is being interviewed by 4FM. It shows his concentration and his animation while getting his views across.
Well done sir,
Denis Finnegan,
Cork City BNI Member
Dear Roger,
Great picture and of excellent quality.
Great picture of our chapter with Ivan Misner!
Thanks for taking those pictures and giving us great memories on an eventful day.
Regards,
Kenneth
Thanks Kenneth for reading and commenting.
Roger, Great photos. I hope you will permit me to use ( with acknowledgement ) the one of me interacting with Ivan for my podcast interview blurb? Though it seems as if we’re simultaneously admonishing each other!
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