Final Analysis

Peter Dench considers...Cannes photographers, 1989 by Derek Ridgers

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I was once on assignment in Monaco for The Sunday Times Magazine. It was a blisteringly hot day so I chose to pull on a pair of too-short shorts for the day’s photography. Walking around Port Hercule harbour I came across a party on a luxury yacht. I realised my error, returned to my hotel room, swapped my too-short shorts for a pair of smart light grey linen slacks and returned to the yacht party. After explaining to the PR about my assignment, they gave me the once over and nodded me on board.

I spent the afternoon swerving among trays of fizz, ducking between bikinis and even got to say Cheers! with actor Ted Danson. Later I was invited to an evening Gala that would provide the core images for my article. I never forgot the lesson. Always wear the right trousers.