michael

i have no idea how i ever got along without him.....or , more importantly, how i could do without him now.....michael courvoisier does everything for me...manages my files, builds my slideshows, coordinates my activities with Magnum, makes my prints, is managing your uploads , and technically runs my workshops....he does this all in the most laid back way....never stressed even when others around him, mostly me, are in full "panic mode"...michael has the calm cool of a test pilot.....when things go wrong, he just trouble shoots...figures it out....makes it ok...

i met mike four years ago  when he was running the tech operation at the Sante Fe Workshops....we later met again in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico when he was the top tech guy at the workshops for this program...when mike said he was moving to new york, i suggested we work together...but, i was not quick enough on the draw and mike was hired by another Magnum photographer.....my loss...but, we always stayed in touch as he worked for two years with my colleague...then, seven months ago, i snatched mike away from his previous job and now i just try to keep him happy enough to stay with me...

i refused to do our recent workshop in bangkok without mike running the show....organizer kris leboutillier said it was the best investment he ever made....james nachtwey sings his praises....mike is just a nice guy....a 25 year old nice guy ..... i will never do any self organized workshop without him....during my last new york workshop, mike never left the studio...he slept on the sofa most nights, so that he could be up and running by the time the students arrived each morning...

mike and i leave bangkok in a few hours for the long flight home...we will be up all night, for  tonight is His Royal Highness the King of Thailand's birthday....everyone is wearing  yellow shirts out of respect for the king as they do on every single monday....he is one of the few world leaders truly loved by the people....Thailand was never colonized, therefore the monarchy is strong.....tonight everyone was walking around with candles, or in groups in front of tv's set to the birthday proceedings, or standing in front of their restaurants with candles, as above with michael .....

many thanks mike for all of your hard work and friendship.....

 

Comments

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[Stefen Chow]

Hey Michael,

Good to hear that things are going so well for you. I met Maya by chance when I was at the Eddie Adams Workshop just a couple of months back in New York. It was an exciting time to bump into one another, but I heard you were in New Mexico (?) then. It will be cool to bump into you again.

Stefen

[jakob]

hey, only 25...i thought you had to be a 1000 or more; maybe 25 "dog years"...thanx 4 all the help in the uploadin'''/and a blessed festive season to you

[Katie Courvoisier]

Hi David - very nice blog, it was nice to see such kind words about Michael! I'm glad I got a chance to meet you in New York, it was a pleasure. Sounds like Thailand was quite a trip...a few Thai students of mine were telling me about Loy Krathong - a festival with floating lanterns that took place about two weeks ago - was it happening while you were there? Anyway just wanted to say hello I enjoy the blog and hope to visit nyc again in the spring...if you ever consider a workshop in Colorado let me know...and if you return to Spain I might just have to find an excuse to tag along. :)

Cheers!

Katie Courvoisier

[Hanny Morales]

Wow 25! I'm impressed and I'm only a couple of years older than him! Anyway... I also should say thank you to Michael for the help!

Saludos!

[Lance Rosenfield]

i always look forward to seeing michael.. the best part is i never know when or where it will be. here's to you michael!

[Katia Roberts]

Only 25 and such a strong work ethic already.
I'm impressed.
Great tribute, David.
And thanks Michael.
You're a jewel.
Both of you.

:)

[Ana Yturralde]

Really nice to put a face to his name. Michael Courvoisier, thank you!!! Big smiles to you!!

[alex vo]

Hey mike, many thanks for helping me out with the upload.

alex

[steve]

Thanks Mike. Especially for when I don't listen to instructions, and upload things incorrectly ;)

[Christopher Baer]

hehe, I would even say that he could run all the workshops on his own; he always knew which photos you will pick, just watch out his mouse-pointer and the decision was clear :)))

[Max Fox]

Yes, thanks Michael for making the technical stuff a non issue, which really allowed us all concentrate on the important things and (attempt to) get the most out of the class.

DAVID and all,
At the NY workshop I had mentioned a documentary magazine that many hadn't heard of called Daylight. I noticed they now have podcasts at their website: www.daylightmagazine.org, and one is dedicated to Alexandra Boulat.

Thanks again,

Max

[Joe Buglewicz]

Many thanks indeed and all the best to you, Mike!

[Kelly Lynn James]

If Michael were a super hero, his power would be CALM. Like the eye of the hurricane. Thanks for everything Michael.

[Chris Richie]

Michael,

The ftp uploading process: whether it was a breeze or a hurricane, you guided all the ships to port.

Thank You

[Aga_Luczakowska]

Hello Michael! Nice to see you here :-) Are you looking here time to time? :-) If yes... was nice to meet you in NY :-)
You look little supriced on that photo :-)haha
Cheers! :-) Aga

[Paul Treacy]

I should wear a yellow t-shirt in your honor, Mike.

[Joan]

Many thanks to Mike and his calm handling of all of our projects and questions. Good to have a face to go with his name.

[Jerome]

As I uploaded my pictures and had a small problem, I felt really "at home" as you smoothly took care of it.
very nice

Thanks Mike!

[bobblack]

mike;

YOU DA MAN, BRO! :)))))....make sure Harvey buys you like the finest single malt he can get his hands on...as well as as many face massages as you need ! :))))))...

hope to meet you when finally our universes connect in nyc :))

cheers!

running
bob

[Jared Soares]

Michael is pretty much The Man.

[cathy scholl]

Go Mike!!! Any chance we can clone him? I think everyone who is not Mike-like would love to have a Mike in their lives. Lucky for you David to have grabbed him. I'm sure Mike feels just as lucky.