Patti Smith showed up at my studio in 2007 for a Rolling Stone photoshoot looking like a photographer’s dream with her wide-brimmed hat, long black coat, and shoes dangling around her neck. I thought some cool stylist had put together this perfect silhouette, but this was just Patti right off the street. This shot is a beat away from the one that was published in RS. It’s the moment she let her guard down. There was no self-consciousness; she just was. I had long been in awe of her music and writing, but this shoot added new dimensions to my appreciation. Her presence was really balancing for me and I’m reminded of that when I look at this portrait.

- MS