Christopher Ameruoso's recollections of Joan and the shoot:
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn last week that Joan Rivers was in such a serious medical condition, but learning of her death yesterday was very difficult. My heart goes out to Melissa and those who knew Joan best.
Having shot Joan several times throughout my career, I knew her to be a woman so full of life and laughter that it's hard to believe she is no longer with us, no longer laughing and making us laugh.
As a portrait photographer who has enjoyed a long career in Los Angeles, I have certainly shot my share of celebrities with their families, including mother-daughter portraits. But this one I shot in May at Joan's Los Angeles home was truly unique and may well be the last formal portrait she and Melissa sat for before Joan's death. The two have always had such love for each other, and it was obvious that day that the bond between them was as unbreakable as it was comfortable for them both. There was always some kind of physical contact going on. They were at each other's side, reflexively touching at the shoulders or elbows, or one was reaching out for the other to touch hands.
The way they both welcomed me into in their home always felt so genuine. On that day in May, as I was setting up my equipment, Melissa told me that Joan was taking a short nap because they had been up since 5 a.m. for some interviews. I immediately became worried that I'd be dealing with a very cranky subject. But as soon as Joan walked in the room, I was put at ease. She greeted me with her usual wide smile and warm demeanor, looking stunning and ready to get started.
Joan was Joan - cracking rapid-fire jokes and making everyone in the room laugh, especially Melissa. The more she succeeded in doing so, the happier she became. I feel privileged and lucky to have lived that moment in her presence - and it's the way I'll always remember her.
