This is actor Scarlett Johansson. I'm pretty sure.
She was married to Ryan Reynolds at the time of this picture. Reynolds is from Vancouver. I don't know if they ever lived or sojourned in Vancouver, but they must have had occasion to visit his family there, perhaps on this day.
That being said, this is not a photograph of Johansson. I did not recognize her at the time I took this picture. I was walking along Robson street shooting the crowd as I moved through it. I had just crossed the street with a clump of people and something about this woman in sunglasses caught my attention. It wasn't anything in particular about her. My interest was in her motion, and her position relative to me and the other people around me. I took the shot without looking at the camera. I had extended my arm in front of my body, tiny cam in palm, lens perpendicular to me. I was surprised when the woman looked at the camera.
She must have thought I was paparazzi. My arm stretch must have looked purposeful and aimed at her. It was, but not for the reason it might have appeared. Yes, I wanted this photo... a photo of the crowded flow of shoppers in the sun.
I hope I didn't ruin her day by making her think she'd been spotted. It wasn't until days later, when reviewing shots, that I recognized her.
Ms. Johansson, if it was you on Robson Street June 4, ten years ago, I apologize if taking this photo made you hold your breath about a looming tabloid headline, or made you feel less comfortable moving about Vancouver.
P.S. Big fan. Ghost World, Lost in Translation, The Avengers.
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