Feature Photo : Behind the Photos

Legendary Whoser moments, caught on film. Learn the stories from those who were there!

Taken at the November 1998 tapings in LA

From Jules: (front row, denim shirt)
First of all, a quick ID of the two girls in front: the one in white is Cindy's friend Jennifer, and the one who's thrilled to have Drew's hand on her shoulder is my friend Lindsey. (You might remember her from Con '99.)
So, history ...
It was November 1998, and the last weekend of tapings for DL's first complete season. Those of us in the pic (minus Cindy and Jennifer, who hadn't arrived yet) met up with Nattie and spent Thursday night at the Improv in LA, where the DCS cast was scheduled to perform.
Well, Drew was sick that night, but a few other cast members were there, including Ryan (and special guests Colin and Brad). Denny was there as well, in the audience. After the show, we talked briefly to Colin, but he left early. We talked quite a long time to Ryan, Brad and Denny, though, and they graciously posed for pictures. (This was when the notorious "Ryan and Brad kiss" photo was taken.) We told them we'd be at all three tapings, and since the last taping was the LAST taping, Ryan said, "Stick around afterwards, we'll get you a group photo." Needless to say, we were slightly stunned. Was he *serious*?
Yep. He was.
So after the last taping, we were shuffled out with the audience, waited about 10 minutes, then were let back in. Turned out they were taking a bunch of publicity shots - cast, cast and producers, cast and crew, etc. And when all those were done, Ryan beckoned us to the stage. The happy result is the photo you see here. It was, for me at least, one of the highlights of my Whoser experience. (And before people start saying, "What about ...", I said it was *one* of the highlights! :-) ) The whole cast was very nice, and we got several other great photos from it (such as Nessa's excellent 'bliss' pic).

From Nessa: (far right, black shirt)
Julie pretty much covered it all, she has an amazing memory that girl! :) I couldn't remember half that stuff. What I do remember is during the 'photo shoot' itself. I remember being incredibly nervous the entire time that we were waiting to be allowed up on stage for the photo shoot. We were standing near the audience section, watching as the cast and crew took pictures and waiting nervously. I seem to recall Fabian the page was there as well? Then we were motioned over to the stage by someone and we all hustled up there, started taking our places with the contestants... I took mine next to Colin and Ryan I believe, "oh but wait, no, not yet," they weren't quite ready, "oh wait, ok you can come on now, oh no, hold on a sec..." confusion... I got confused and disoriented and dizzy and fell down... oh yes... fell down onto the stage, the nice, red, cushy stage, I know it well. I popped back up to realize that I had nearly knocked over Dan Patterson and Mark Levison, who were standing on the edge of the stage and were forced to jump down off of it (towards Laura's piano) to avoid being 'bowled over' by me. Thus the saying 'bowling for producers', which I think Jessa coined. I was rather embarassed, and red-faced and when were asked to come back on the stage, I was so out of it that I didn't know where to go and was offered an arm by Brad, so I took it. You may see my stunned face in the picture, that is not from being with the cast, that is my shame of being stupid and clumsy. Our camera's got passed around to various people who were standing about, I don't know who the photographer was for my camera, but I think he was with the crew. He took many pictures, using the zoom and kept on zooming in on me, Brad, and Ash.
As Jules mentioned, some of us took pictures afterwards of various contenstants. I was slightly cheered up when I asked Colin for a 'hug picture' - I had no idea that it would turn out the way it did; demonstrating the bliss of the moment. I think it was just an end to a perfect day, really.
It's certainly nice to think back to those times. I know I have forgotten some details, so sorry if I've left anything out.
Take care!
Van

 

---

Our first featured photo: Not a story photo, but a good one none-the-less. Check out the WhoserCon 5 Group Shot! (photo credit: Emile Jumean)

---

Return to the Memorabilia page | Return to the main Whosers Page