Ketching Up Again
In 1988 I was once again asked by the H.J. Heinz company to photograph more of their most senior management at various locations around the world, but this time I was going to start my sojourn in Ireland, photographing Tony O'Reilly at his home Castlemartin in Kilcullen, Ireland. Terry, my friend, my assistant, and my confidant, and I traveled first class one spring day on an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin. As we settled back into our seats and began to quench our thirst with Irish beer, I already began to feel the need to dance a small Irish Jig to celebrate my newborn success at photographing the world's CEOs. The New York Times had done a front page business story on the photographs I had shot for Heinz the previous year, and new work was slowly beginning to come my way. I was transitioning to a corporate world of the late 1980s. America felt strong, even boastful and powerful and you felt this in the advertising, and in a lot of the communications. Design and Advertising took risks that have not reappeared since. Money was to be found in global expansion, and the world felt full of opportunity. Everyone seemed to be running in every direction. Money didn't seem to be the obstacle to most adventures as it does today. It was the best of times and it was the worst. Against this background I began to have new adventures. I went from being penniless to making a nice living to ultimately as years went on to being quite successful. I began this manic high with a new found energy, enthusiasm, and even my humor seemed to return. I finally felt I was wanted, even desired, and most importantly appreciated. As the plane touched down one spring morning in Dublin, Terry and I were met by Dr. O'Reilly's chauffeur, Arthur Whelan, better known as "Wheels". In a shiny black Rolls Royce we raced through the Irish countryside approaching 100 miles per hour with Terry, and I holding onto our seats in a desperate attempt to stay upright as we made our way through hedgerow after hedgerow of beautiful Irish countryside. Wheels loved speed. It was as if "Odd Job" had been recreated in an Irish gentleman. He looked the part in his perfectly tailored hat, and charcoal grey suit. Just what you would have expected. We reached our destination at Castlemartin, and after making our way down the long circuitous driveway, I saw a large tent being installed for the evening's festivities. We were greeted by the staff, and Mrs. O'Reilly, and went into the living room, and met Tony O'Reilly once again. Without blinking he said welcome Roddy, and said to me "The pictures can wait." Tonight I want you to join the party, and tomorrow I want you to go with me to some friends for lunch, and then on to Dublin for a rugby match. At the party there were dignitaries, Irish royalty, cabinet members, Irish movie…