All rights to this photograph is reserved the photographer

This picture of Elliott Erwitt was taken at the entrance of the Austin Museum of Art (AMOA).

In my position as the President of the Austin Center of Photography, I have enjoyed new found opportunities of meeting and, in the case of Elliott, befriending some of the most significant photographers of the day.

Elliott was in Austin as ACP’s third Icons of Photography speaker and during some down time, Elliott and I took a walk up Congress Avenue toward the magnificent Texas state capitol building. Along the way we passed AMOA where an exhibition of the painter Chuck Close was on display. We decide to check it out.

We presented ourselves and received a sticker to show that we had paid admission to the museum.

I dutifully placed mine on my shirt where everyone but Elliott thinks it belongs. Elliott is as comfortable having his picture taken as he is in taking them, so I said, “Elliott, hold on. I gotta get this…”

Elliott’s humor and his bright, optimistic outlook on life is evident in so many of his iconic photographs. It should come as no surprise that he doesn’t take himself very seriously — this is certainly evident in this picture.

It is very rare in life that we get to meet one of our heroes but Elliott is certainly one of mine. By the end of his three day visit, I think it is fair to say he and I have become friends. What an honor it is for me to be able say that.

The photo was shot with a Leica M8.2 and Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 lens.

Why I use a Leica:
The Leica M camera is simply a joy to use. No other camera compares. One is over my shoulder everywhere I go, no matter when or where. I now have an M9 but at that time of this picture it was an M8.2 and Nokton 35mm f/1.2 (now it is the M9 and Nokton 50mm f/1.1).

I was first introduced to Leica as a teenager when my grandfather shared is very extensive M3 kit with me. That left a lasting impression on me. I seriously doubt that I would be as passionate as I am about photography nowadays if it were not for Leica M cameras.

My latest work can be found in my PAW 2010 and PAW 2009 galleries. Much of my published work is in the Published Work gallery. I currently have three photographs in the B&W Magazine Special Issue, 2009 Annual Single Image Contest.

I live in Austin, Texas. Recently I have been dividing my time between there and New York City. Presently, NYC is my favorite place to photograph. Prior to that it was, no doubt, Florence, Italy.

Please visit David Keenan’s personal website for many more fine Leica shots.

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