Today I got to shoot and meet (in that order) Will Ferrell for the College for Cancer charity he supports. Let me rewind a bit: a friend of mine, Greg Flores, who I met when shooting for Revival Magazine when I first moved here, is working with a friend of his, Craig Pollard, who is a two time Hodgkin’s disease survivor that started this awesome charity, College for Cancer. Basically, they raise money to help send kids to college who have survived cancer. Think about it, if you’ve got cancer, you’re going to the doctor. A LOT. Like, ungodly a lot. What does that mean? $$$$$$$ for the family of these kids. Usually, by the time it’s all over, a bright future of “whatever you can figure out cause we’re flat broke” awaits them. Obviously this is no one’s fault, but it’s a bummer, especially for kids who go through so much to keep on living! So, this is a pretty amazing charity.

Ok, so Craig went to college (USC) with Will and Will has been involved with Craig’s charity for a while now. Craig got this great idea to make a suntan lotion based around Will with wacky names and photos and sell it  for the charity. I’m pretty sure I heard that they’ve sold over 10,000 in 2 months so far. That’s Ron Burgundy for ya. So, to promote the suntan lotion and the charity, Will is hosting the 16th Annual Golf Classic at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in September and today’s little event was to promote that. Today’s event also coincided with Will’s annual hang out/play golf time with all his old frat buddies from USC, who were super cool.

Just to review: Me>Greg>Craig>Will.

Isn’t that nuts? You never know who you’re 3 people removed from. Anyways, I was brought along to take pictures as Will was doing TV stuff and to take a few, quick posed photos to send out to… I think whoever will publish it really. Magazines and newspapers and whatnot I’m assuming. Maybe even blogs.

Don’t forget to check out College for Cancer!

First of all, the product:

I’m pretty sure this lady is a San Diego news anchor. She asked for tips on being a news anchor.

“Well, I’m not sure if this is possible, but if you can, you really need to grow a mustache.”

“Also you need to talk in a lower voice, like this ‘Hello San Diego’”

She tries, he pauses, then says, “Ya you’ll never make it.”

Next up, Will teed off some fruit, a cabbage and a chicken for the cameras. He’s actually got a great swing. (Like I would know, but those who did said so)

Applesauce on the lens from this one.

I was expecting a lot less from the chicken.

Will and Craig.

And… my 2 mins with them at the end! Kind of a combination of “Ok think fast/OMG that’s Ron Burgundy/tell him what to do/wow this is the worst lighting imaginable ever” but I’m still thrilled I got to do it.

OH! I nearly forgot, I nearly rammed Will with a falling umbrella/stand thanks to the wind. Yea, that was awesome. I know, sandbags, but trust me, not possible. Kinda funny in hindsight but scary at the time! Thus I continued without it. New addition to my kit as of today on the way home: small reflector.

Previously mentioned rad frat friends.