I first discovered Anthony Bourdain in the early 2000s. I was recently out of college and just discovering things like fancy dinners, well-crafted cocktails, and international travel, and Tony appeared like an older brother with an abundance of real-world insight. He was funny, sarcastic, and adventurous. He loved the same writers as me. He quoted The Simpsons, The Ramones and Seinfeld. He smoked cigarettes and wore leather jackets and got drunk at the bar after a long shift at work and then did it all over again the next day.

In 2008, I attended a talk at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, where Tony gave a cooking demonstration. Although cameras weren’t allowed, I managed to sneak in my Nikon and snap a few covert shots as Chef Tony prepared duck à l'orange with baby bok choy. He was still a bit awkward on stage then, joking, “I’ll never try this again!”

Anthony Bourdain prepares Duck a L'Orange at Cesar's Palace in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 12, 2008

When I found out that Tony would be speaking in Durham, NC, in February 2009, I emailed the promoter and asked if I could do a portrait of Tony backstage after the show. They replied right away: "Sure, why not!" I was beyond excited for the opportunity, but there was one catch— I didn't yet have the gear or the experience to pull off a proper portrait. But I wasn't gonna let that stop me.

On the night of the show I was provided with a room backstage, right across from Tony's dressing room, where I set up some truly-awful lighting equipment. And after the show, just before leaving for the airport, Tony came in. He was exactly how you’d imagine— tired and hungry but patient and kind, and he followed my inexperienced directions like a pro. He was with me in the room for about five minutes, and then he was off to the airport, headed back to NYC.

From a technical standpoint, the portrait I took of him is awful: his jacket's a mess, the wrong lens gave him a bobble-headed look, and for fuck-sake, what sort of bizarre backlight is silhouetted under his left arm? All I can say is thank god for Photoshop. 

Anthony Bourdain photographed backstage at the Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, NC February 19, 2009

I share this less-than-professional photo for two reasons: First, because it's Anthony Bourdain—how could I not? Second, after two decades behind the lens, I’ve come to realize that photography is as much about purpose and experience as anything else. As photographers, when we take photographs for a job, our purpose is clear: to pay the bills. But outside of business, a photographer's purpose becomes more vague, ultimately driven by a personal desire to capture the moments that matter to them —whether it’s a favorite band, a breathtaking landscape, the smile of a friend, or in my case, a snapshot of someone who was a profound influence on me. And of course this photo is even more valuable to me now that Tony is gone, no matter how technically proficient it is - or isn't - it's the experience of bringing this image to life, and the memory I have of that night fifteen years ago, that makes it one of my favorite photos.

Anthony Bourdain's signature backstage at the Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham NC February 19, 2009

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I'm an Asheville based photographer with over twenty years of experience creating imagery for hundreds of clients in Western North Carolina and beyond. My studio photography specializes in headshots for business and corporations, law firms, artists, entrepreneurs, models, and actors, as well as stylized theme portrait sessions for personal branding, maternity, local and regional musicians. Photo services are available throughout the south, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Winston Salem, Greenville, Columbia, Spartanburg, Knoxville, and Johnson City. Photo sessions are fun and easy, and consultations are always free, so drop me a line and let's plan something amazing together!