James O'Donnell meets the talented and influential in New York

Sitting in the residence of Elliott Erwitt looking across the panoromic view of Central Park James O’Donnell wondered at how far one man taking photographs of his dog had come. The walls around the apartment showcased wonderful art work. James had travelled to the city to meet the famous 93-year-old photographer and was very much looking forward to his conversation with the former president of Magnum photos.
The conversation with the world-famous photographer flowed and was natural. James told him he was an “accidental photographer” and shot photos solely with his phone. Erwitt, a man recognised for his quirky photography, was happy with the explanation and they both pored over James’ phone looking at examples of his photography.
James wanted to show Elliott the work that he had done since his arrival in the city - one which had seen the Cloughaneely man step into a puddle to capture a reflective scene of a bicycle at night.

James’ photographs use reflection and variation and in New York he used light, architecture, characters and dimensions to reflect his own personal photography style.
“It was a great experience. Quiet surreal ... He worked first hand with Marilyn Monroe and JFK and many former presidents and for him to give me forty minutes of his time was very much appreciated,” James said.
When James arrived back at his hotel, he was greeted with a message asking him to return and that Elliott wanted to give him a present of a book.
James was delighted to have given a bottle of Silkie whiskey to Elliott.
When James arrived in New York, he had jumped into a taxi and asked to be brought through Brooklyn and a mural had caught his eye. Days later James found himself in New York standing under the same mural.
James was stunned to find the face of Frida Kahlo, the Mexcian artist, and Andy Warhol staring down at him on 20th Street .
“There low and behold is the mural I spotted days earlier coming in on a taxi ride,” James said.
His new pup is called Frida.

He went into the diner under the mural to celebrate his meeting with Elliot. James also met Patricia Caulfield, the photographer, author and former executive editor of Modern Photography magazine. They spoke about James’ photographs with Iggy and she presented him with a book of her work. He presented her with a bottle of Silkie much to her delight.
“A fella like me coming from Donegal and meeting these people who are associated with such high-level photography, it was just amazing.”
James’ time in the Big Apple was exceptionally busy and he found himself running from place to place.
Time constrictions entailed he couldn’t meet Charles Grubb, the photographer and editor who had worked with famous Magnum photographer Sam Holmes, who passed away last March before he and James could meet.
However, James did speak to Charles on the phone a number of times and was delighted and thankful to get the opportunity to do so.
Being an outdoor enthusiast, James decided to walk almost everywhere enjoying the opportunity to take photographs.
He is very grateful for the help of Niamh Hoban, Falcarragh and New York, for documenting his meetings during his busy time in New York.
His journey brought him face to face with Tom Fox - an activist in New York. He enjoyed a ride on a yellow ferry boat with Tom and toured the waters.
James walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and took photographs.
He later met Elliot Erwitt's son Misha, and his dog Canelo, who gave him a tour of the financial district of the city.
James said he is grateful to Fiona Molloy Lepperd who worked with Samuel Holmes, and was instrumental in getting him to New York.