I so love taking photos of strong woman. I don’t know why I am so drawn to strong woman, my mother was a strong woman, although she let her life be bounded and suffocated by men.

I guess women who don’t let that happen are heroes to me, and I love taking their portraits. As I left Papa Pete’s in Bennington, Vt. last Sunday, Kathy, the owner and charismatic host, blew me a kiss from the kitchen.

This was my first portrait of her, she posed without even knowing it. Her cafe is one of the most inviting, friendly and cozy places I’ve ever been, Kathy deserves to be famous.

She has created this wonderful atmosphere even though her husband and dog, both quite beloved, died within a year of one another. Kathy is a good human and a sharp and successful businesswoman.

I think she likes being photographed, as strong women often do. They are not afraid to raise their voices to the world. I know, I married one, and her voice is loud and clear.