Barbra Walz: Terrific photographer, but an even better friend.

We worked together often. She could charm just about anyone. Barbra always had a clear vision of the image she wanted, and always got it. The celebrities she photographed usually became her newest best friends. Dinner with the Walzs was always an interesting event, you never knew who you would be sitting next to.

We talked almost every day after her cancer returned. She needed to work again, and she always called me first for an assignment. No questions asked, none needed.

Barbra decided to go on a photo adventure to Antarticia while her cancer was in remission, she sent me a post card from the South Pole which I thought was way cool (pun intended).

She also completed a terrific book, “Starring Mothers, 30 Portraits of Accomplished Women,” which of course she was one of the best.

When she died, it was the first time in years that I allowed myself to grieve for a friend. I had lost so many to AIDS that I just emotionally froze over and felt nothing.

When Barbra left the planet, I felt it!