Here’s a shoot that was a little rocky… You know the kind that you show up to and the subject is surprised to see you, and then says “no you can’t photograph me.”

The assignment was to photograph Rev. Robert Vitaglione, known as Father Bob, working in his Brooklyn office where he consults with immigrants who need assistance navigating through the New York immigration courts. I guess he was only expecting to see the reporter, or he just didn’t think he was going to be photographed. Over the duration of two hours while he met with immigrants I was denied three times. I could photograph anything else but Father Bob, but he was kinda the reason I was there, and I don’t think the desk would have been too pleased if I came back without an image of him. So I hung around and the reporter was finally able to convince Father Bob to let me into his office to shoot while he was being interviewed.

(Note to self) always, always, alway call ahead of time to make sure things are understood on both sides.

The story by Sam Dolnick is really interesting: Removal of Priest’s Cases Exposes Deep Holes in Immigration Courts

Father Bob Vitaglione, a Catholic priest who has worked as a representative in immigration court for decades in his office in Brooklyn, N.Y., June 21, 2011. (Mylan Cannon/The New York Times)

People waiting to talk with Father Bob and his staff in their office in Brooklyn, N.Y., June 21, 2011. (Mylan Cannon/The New York Times)