GAYLETTER

I was first introduced to performer John Kelly some 20 or more years ago when the brilliant photographer I was assisting at the time, John Dugdale, showed me some portraits of him. Shortly after that I saw Kelly channel Joni Mitchell in a performance I will never forget. Needless to say, when his show ‘Rebel Songs of a Range Queen‘ came to Joe’s Pub we had to go.

The variety of songs from Jaques Brel to The Shins was spellbinding and John looked fantastic in a leather kilt, vest and dazzling blue eye shadow. I got inspired, and thought — I just have to photograph those eyes! Thankfully, John made some time to come over to my space and apply the make-up for what was only his second time.

He was very efficient, first applying a light foundation, then some liner and then the shadow. I got excited and snapped some frames before the shadow was applied but held back a few for the shiny blue powder. The whole process was over in about fifteen minutes or so, and since I shot in real time, it felt like the sitting was over in an instant.

John could not have been more generous in spirit, obliging my wishes to shoot exactly as I desired. After debating whether to wear the make-up home or not, as it was a bit much for daytime, John packed up the cosmetics, washed his face, bid me farewell and left — the perfect gentleman.

John Kelly’s show: ‘Rebel Songs of a Range Queen‘ is running until July 14th at Joe’s Pub.