In my Vancouver and international career as a magazine photographer I believe I may have had at least 1000 covers.
But amazingly, only twice have I been the subject of the cover.
It was during the 1982 Malvinas (Falkland) War that Vancouver Magazine Editor Malcom Parry pressured me into writing about my experiences in the Argentine Navy. He would take the portrait that appeared on the May 1982 issue.
There were a few difficulties involved. Of my uniform I had kept the collar and the band A.R.A. S. De Marina (Armada Repúplica Argentina – Secretaría de Marina). The Mauser and bayonet came via Mac’s friend Alan Lever from Lever Arms. After much asking around I found a man who collected German uniforms from WWII. My sailor hat was identical (but of plastic not of cloth). Because of the problem of getting a permit to carry a firearm, Mac took the picture at Lever Arms with my RB-67 Pro-S loaded with Ektachrome.
The second time I have appeared on a cover (this time with the company of my Rosemary) is on Kitsbeach Magazine which is distributed in some Kitsilano homes but is impossible to find in a newsstand.
Statistically this has to be my final time on any cover (while I am alive). It feels good. Best of all when Rosemary walks our male cat Niño around a few blocks outside our Kits home many neighbours recognize Niño. When my face was on the cover I remember going to the Eaton’s magazine stand wearing sunglasses since I did not want to be recognized! Should I fit Niño with some?
