"Happy Birthday Nick...AKA "Nicky, Nicky, Nicky!"

This is what I like about photographs. They're proof that once,
even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.
Jodie Picoult 

by Skip Cohen

As I sat down to search for material for my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday, my good buddy Nick Vedros came up in my Facebook notifications because it's his birthday today. Nick shared the shots above in 2010 and 2011. Well, they deserve to be shared again. 

The big shot on the right is Nick and Dean Collins...Nick and Dean were the very best of friends, and the "Nicky, Nicky, Nicky" line was Dean's way of greeting Nick whenever he saw him. It included a long sigh and Dean shaking his head in recognition of the greatest practical joke ever pulled, in this case, Nick on Dean. It wasn't until years later I learned the backstory. (Sorry, it's "R" rated, but just trust me, it was a classic.)

The two smaller pictures are from the Blue Man Group in NYC one night in the 90s. Nick invited me to join them, and it's one of my favorite memories. And now that the Blue Man Group is no longer playing, it's become an even greater classic.

But today's post isn't just about my own fun walk down Memory Lane. It's about great friendships, the ones that stand the test of time, even when some of the friends have passed. Dean passed away twenty years ago this past February. At least a few times a month, I think about our friendship and how much I miss catching up with him.

Over the years, I've promised to stop using that quote by Jodie Picoult, but it's the best one ever shared about throwback photographs.

And to the birthday boy himself today...Nick buddy, you've enriched my life and created your own unique chapter of adventures. I'm a better photographer for having hung out with you at so many events. And being on the road with you was always a kick! From a friendship I cherish, to all the laughs, and pride I have at being able to say, "Yeah, I know Vedro," what a trip it continues to be!

At least thirty years ago, Nick was doing a program somewhere around Phoenix. In the back of the room, the legendary Don Blair was listening and furiously taking notes. Most of you never knew Don, but he was one of the finest portrait artists in the world. At that point, he had taught hundreds, if not thousands, of classes focusing on lighting and posing. 

"What are you doing? You know all this stuff," I asked. Don just shook his head and said, "Are you kidding me? This guy is unbelievable and I have all these new ideas I want to try!'

So, from Don Blair to knuckleheads like me, other friends, and thousands of artists and photographers, Nick, you've been an influence. From your creativity to the way you prioritize friendships and everything in between, the industry is better today because you're in it!

​Happy Birthday, Buddy!