Annie Liebovitz and the photoshop flub.

In the image below of Kate Winslet (swoon), and Sam Mendes shot by Annie Leibovitz there is a big mistake. The coat sleeve on Mr. Mendes’ left arm is a result of him taking only one side of his coat off during the shoot, or some errant post production. It boggles my mind that from Miss Leibovitz’s team all the way up the hierarchy to the photo editor at Vanity Fair that the coat sleeve on Mr. Mendes’ left arm was missed. But as the proverb clearly states; shit happens.

What’s really getting my panties in a bunch is how many people are so ready to crucify Miss Leibovitz and her post production people. Honestly, if you’ve been around this business at all then you know the colon clenching feeling that comes from the realization that your photography mistake is in the public eye. Cock-ups are an absolute inevitability of this business. How we react to our foibles is part of what defines us as a professional. And don’t fall back on that ridiculous excuse; “my post production people screwed up.” There’s a reason your fee for service is above the line and more than everyone else’s on the call sheet. Whether it’s praise or criticism, the buck stops with you. That’s the responsibility you accept when you get the gig. Unless of course there’s a danger that you won’t get paid, then throw the photoshop people under the bus.

For those of you that were at the dinner table with me a few weeks ago in Charlotte who think I’m a self righteous bastard for reversing my position on this matter; you’re right. I am. And I owe you all a drink as an apology. For the rest of you who think I’m kissing up to Miss Leibovitz because I would love a 20×30 print of a photograph of my crush Kate Winslet; don’t be absurd. Miss Leibovitz has no idea who I am.

Annie, if you’re reading this, you can reach me here. I’ll pay for shipping.