Waiting for the Tram

Waiting for the Tram  [Diana Camera]
Sandia Peak, Albuquerque, New Mexico
August 6, 2007
(click in the image to see a larger version)

One of the qualities that I find so exciting and intriguing about photography is the unexpected convergence of people, places and lighting that can result in a good image. Seeing and acting upon these ephemeral apparitions of photographic serendipity is one of the things I love most about being a photographer. And the more you are aware of these instances, the more you will look for them, the more attuned you will become to the possibility that such a convergence may occur. The more you look for these transitory events as you pass through the world, the more likely you are to see them and be ready with your camera to record them.

This photo is evidence of just such an occurrence. I could not have imagined this scene in this exact configuration (well, perhaps I could have imagined something like it, but I didn't). But when I saw it coalescing on the tram platform overlooking Albuquerque, I was prepared, camera in hand. And it doesn't require the latest hi-tech camera to etch such a scene onto something more lasting than memory. This image was taken with a plastic Diana camera, circa 1964.

In addition to being open to the possibilities of such ephemeral convergences, it goes without saying, of course, that you do need to have a camera with you and easily accessible so you can act fast if the situation requires it. I am not one of those people who take the camera with me everywhere I go, but I do have it with me a good deal of the time. And if I know that I may be in photographically fertile territory, then is almost always with me, especially when I am traveling, as I was when I made this photograph.

I have pages and pages of Diana, Holga and pinhole negatives that were taken this summer (and even earlier) that I have not yet had time to scan. With two major projects entering their final stages, I am hoping to be able to spend some quality time with my scanner in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned!

Comments

[Brian Duggan]

Hi Sean,

A wonderful shot - full of questions and expectations. Seeing this photo suggests that there is a story or drama unfolding and something is just about to happen. A marvelous mystery with stunning clouds...

Good job!

Brian

[Sean]

Hey, thanks very much, Brian!

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