Yul Brynner is a Badass

We were at the opening for the Yul Brynner event. Did you know he was an accomplished photographer, etc etc? That man is quintessential hombre. I hate to even speak of him in the past tense. His photos, on display at the Leica Gallery, are magnificent. Behind the imagery, you see how his friends loved and trusted him. He put those around him at ease. He’s what I want to be as a photographer. I got to tell Victoria, Yul Brynner's daughter, that her dad was a badass. She agreed. You meet all kinds of interesting people at the Leica Gallery. I met Neil Diamond at his son Jesse’s show a few years back. I told him I grew up listening to his music, which I’m sure he hears a lot. He asked if I wanted my money back. What I should have told him is that when I was a kid, I thought the lyrics to Cherry Baby were “she got the way, buh boo pay.” Never mind it makes no sense. When you’re six, nothing makes sense. I even had my own words, like “plip.” That’s the thing that covers the air valve on your tires.

© Sandra Kaplan

We met Stuart, a master sculptor. He said he's been photographed a lot, but not like this. He wants to use my pics in his autobiography. We met James. King James. Alexo and Valentina, in cowboy hats. He might be the tallest man I ever met, in a cowboy hat or otherwise. Mixii, the videographer, with her shark tooth heels. Maria, with legs up to her eyeballs, according to Penny. Her business card boldly proclaims "B&W Photography." She was toting an M and struck up all the right poses with the Yul boxed set. Then there was Anthony, the young kid, a filmmaker with a D-Lux and disposable. He applied for a job here at the Leica Store. His interview is next Thursday. I hope he gets it. Amber the actor looked over her shoulder for me, as she was walking away. Kiran followed me to the other side of the room, where I leaned her against a railing. I told her people don't know what to do with their hands. She said she doesn't know what to do with her face. At the last event, she gave me grief for showing up with a Nikon. I reminded her of that. She remembered. 

Then there was Ray Chang, filmmaker and serial Burning Man attendee. He filled us in on what it’s like at Burning Man, and offered to help us prepare. Some of you have been. What do you think? Should we go?

Leica Gallery openings make me think of Ricky Nelson, of course. “You can’t please everyone, so, you got to please yourself.” Ah yeah. I’m definitely feeling pleased with myself as I get reacquainted with my Q2 Monochrom. It’s not just a camera, it’s an appendage. Gets out of the way, extends my reach. Always there and ready. I’ll shut up now. Enjoy the pictures.

Dear Mr. Katz,

A dear friend of mine sent me an article you wrote “Yul Brynner is a Badass”.
She knew that Yul and I were friends and yes, he truly was very much a Badass !
Yul bought me my very first Nikon Camera. I loved the guy so much. No,
we were not romantically involved, just really sweet friends.  

I wanted to thank you so much for your article. You really captured him. 
Below is a photo I took of him back in the late ’60’s.  Yep, he always had
his camera’s with him.  The other person in the photo is Serge Bourguignon,
the French film director.

Thought you might enjoy this particular photo because of all the cameras.

Thanks again for your talent.

Sincerely,
Sandy Kaplan