A Life in Performance: Photographing Harvey Widell for Boston University’s Alumni Magazine

Some photoshoots feel more like capturing a chapter of a much bigger story. When I was asked to photograph Harvey Widell for Boston University’s Alumni magazine, I knew I wasn’t just taking editorial portraits of a retired teacher—I was stepping into the world of a man whose passion for storytelling, both in the classroom and on stage, had spanned decades.

Harvey Widell retired in 1989 after a 32-year career as an English teacher in Brooklyn, N.Y., but his journey was far from over. Within two weeks of relocating to Florida, he found himself at the helm of the Way-Off Broadway Players, a local theater troupe. Since then, Harvey has directed, taught, and starred in numerous productions, proving that the arts—and life itself—don’t have an expiration date.

Setting the Scene: A Small Theater with Big Stories

Our photoshoot took place in a small community theater, where Harvey was rehearsing scenes from Fiddler on the Roof. Watching him immerse himself in his character, it was clear that his passion for theater had not waned over the years. The theater may have been small, but the energy and dedication within it were boundless.

Photographing a rehearsal presents a unique challenge—capturing action without interrupting the flow. I worked to stay unobtrusive, allowing Harvey and the cast to remain focused while finding moments of stillness amidst the movement. Harvey’s natural ease in front of the camera was a gift, and the resulting images conveyed both his mastery of the craft and his quiet humility.

After Harvey rehearsed his scenes, we headed backstage for some more intimate portraits without the rest of the cast. Here are a few on my favorite images from our session.