Do You See An Angel?

 

This is New Bedford Standard-Times photographer Mike Valeri's photo in which some readers see a likeness of an angel.

FALL 1997, NEW BEDFORD, Mass. Newspaper photographer Mike Valeri thought he had a good shot of a cloudy sunset over Padanaram Harbor. Readers of The Standard-Times of New Bedford saw something more heavenly. Laura Morse called to congratulate Valeri for capturing an angel floating in the clouds. Valeri hadn't noticed the angelic figure before, but was swayed when he checked his negatives and the image seemed even clearer. The newspaper ran the photo again Oct. 18 and asked readers what they thought. Valeri said one woman said it reminded her of the spirit she claims she saw leaving her young daughter as she died last year. The paper has been flooded with requests for copies. Proceeds of the sale will go toward a Christmas fund for needy families.

n.b. When I received this article in an email forward, it was too good not to share. Photographer Michael Valeri was kind enough to grant his permission for me to post this on my web site (see letter below). No matter what your opinion of the image in the photo, it is a startling and unique piece of artwork. Naturally, the copyright on this photo remains the sole property of Mike Valeri and the New Bedford Standard-Times.

16 October 1998
Dear Jane Ellen,
You may go ahead and use the Angel photo on your web page. I viewed your proposed angel page and I have no problem with what you want to do . . . . Thanks very much for your interest. If there's anything else I can help you with, please don't hesitate to call or write.
Sincerely, Mike Valeri
The Standard-Times
25 Elm St.
New Bedford, MA 02740