I remember photographing an elderly man leaning on a hoe while working in his garden. Watching him through a telephoto lens, I was curious what he was thinking. I may have asked him, but I don’t remember. Later, as I looked at the photograph, I wondered what his life had been like. What were his dreams or regrets?
Then a year or so later, I was assigned to photograph a philosopher who was in town to speak. He was staying at a luxurious inn. Arriving early, as is my habit, I noticed a man walking slowly down a tree-lined driveway, his hands behind his back. Unnoticed, I stopped and made a few photographs before approaching him.
I asked him about his morning stroll.
“I take long walks alone,” he answered. “I ask intelligent questions and get intelligent answers.” Then he added, “But my best thoughts usually come to me when I am on the toilet and have nothing else to do.”
Fifty-five years later, I see myself in the posture of both aging men. Either image could be a self-portrait of sorts, of me contemplating life now.
I have often seen glimpses of myself in others, for good and bad. In a quiet, subtle way, I think I have photographed others to express what I was experiencing. In telling their story, I was telling my own.
Someone once wrote and said they had watched my daily newspaper photos for years and felt they knew me. I hadn’t thought much about that before, but reasoned there was some truth in their observation. No doubt those who follow this column or read my blog can say with some accuracy, they know me. The subjects I choose, the personal things I share—they are doors into my life and heart. I feel the same about some authors or sports announcers.
There was a period in my young life when I felt alone and hopeless. I photographed many sad and lonely people, transients and those who had lost loved ones. I think I was crying in my camera, silently asking for help through my photographs.
I believe most of us ask ourselves why we are here on this earth and what plan or purpose we serve. Now, at 73, I have come to realize one of the talents my creator has blessed me with is the gift to give others a voice while serving as a mirror to show others themselves, especially their beauty and value.
Reader Challenge
Make a picture that expresses where you are in your life’s journey. Maybe it is something that reveals what you believe or how you see yourself? Or perhaps, like me, it’s something or someone you aspire to be like. This is a tough assignment but one worth trying.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.