My Sensei
Reggie Mitchell, Sr. was the third African American cameraman for KCBS in Los Angeles. Despite the customary discrimination faced by black photographers during the 70s, he worked his way from the mail room to the newsroom and enjoyed a long and distinguished career behind the lens.
By the time we met, he had retired from network television and was the Director of the Broadcast Training and Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University.
Reggie Mitchell was a Guru of still photography and video production. I hung around his office as often as possible. Bugging him until he eventually regarded me as a sort of protege. He shared his experiences, craft secrets, and gave me access to an arsenal of his best gear. (Having access to the gear made me very popular with the other students!) As a mentor, he taught with an iron fist and was the toughest critic ever! I still remember his critique of one of my first news packages. He said something to the effect, "Well son, at least it's not blue..." I am thankful that he took the time to break down my work. And not 'breaking down' in the negative sense of the word, but mostly getting me comfortable with being critiqued. Developing the habit of asking, what I could do better, and understanding why I needed to make certain choices. These lessons were priceless. Our time together put me on the path of developing real production intelligence.
I cannot write about Reggie without mentioning one of his more famous sayings: "This is some BULL SHIT!" (with his southern drawl). That was his response to most things he didn't like - - especially excuses.
From him I learned so many things. Not only behind the lens, but in life as well. I have a confidence, production confidence, that can largely be attributed to our time together. Reggie, affectionately called "Pops" is not only one of my GREATEST mentors, chess NEMESIS, and golf BULLY-- but one of my most beloved friends.
Reggie Mitchell now lives in Colorado. To this day he still takes my calls, gives great advice, and talks much trash. Interestingly, after suffering a series of strokes - he still keeps a camera with him at all times.
