Photographing Gloria Steinem

By Guest Blogger: Flor Blake

Back in 2013 my friend Roweena Naidoo, who is the founder of The Blossom Project, an organization that works to amplify the voices of girls, inspiring them to disrupt the status quo and make a positive difference in the world, called me to booked me for an event she had in March 2014. I told her that, of course I was available, it was a year out, so I put it in my calendar. 

The closer the date got, she told me that Gloria Steinem was going to be her keynote speaker, and I got really excited, I mean with all the amazing things she has done to move women forward I was ecstatic! My excitement took over and I asked Roweena if I could have 15 minutes with her so I could do a portrait, and she said yes!

The day of the event came and I had my set up ready to go, and I was thinking about what to tell her when she finally came to the door for the portrait. Things ran a little late and I only got 3 minutes and 45 seconds to talk to Gloria, make her comfortable, and do the portrait. With the time limitation I got a little nervous and the only thing I said was, "two of my idols did your portrait and now I get to photograph you" while my friend/assistant yelled "no pressure!" I did the portrait in that limited time with a room fool of people waiting to talk and take "selfies" with her, I kept calm and took my portrait and then we went on with the VIP reception and the event. 

She was obviously amazing, poised and perfect. She has done this a million times so the shoot went great. I am pleased with the result and the fact that it was done right around her 80th birthday makes it more meaningful. 

I waited this long to share the picture because I wanted to make sure it was what it represented her well. Take a minute to visit The Blossom Project website and donate. 

Here's the portrait, I called it "Glorious Gloria" and I love it. 

 "A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men." - Gloria Steinem