The Plastic Lens
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Milton
September 19, 2007Anyway, I had brought along my Diana-F which had been sitting on the shelf for a while, so long that I had forgotten that I had it loaded with some B & W film that I found in a the Diana F box the camera came in. The film (Kodak Verichrome Pan) had expired in the 70's but I popped it in to see if anything would come of it. It was high time I finished that film off, which is why I had it (and the camera it was loaded in) with me.
Walking along the pier I met this wonderful elderly chap who was dressed in his suit and tie and was carrying an umbrella. He would walk five steps or so, then stop and rest, walk again, then rest...
I was sitting on steps leading down to a landing on the pier, enjoying the sea breeze and generally trying to be zen, observing this chap as he made his slow but steady way along the pier whilst other tourists and locals busily hurried past him. My perceptions had slowed to match his pace, so that it seemed as if he was moving normally and everyone else was speed up as if in a time-lapse film, scurrying like busy ants. Eventually he decided he had walked far enough, so he sat on the edge of the walkway and rested.
I went and introduced myself, asked him his name and if I could take his photo. He told me in a mellow European accent that his name was Milton and yes, I could take his photo. I took a couple of snaps, of which this was the clearest. "When will the picture be ready?" he asked. "As soon as I get it developed, probably a couple of days time" I said, and took down his address, so i could send the prints to him.
He was a nice man, with no doubt a wealth of experience and stories to tell. I wish I had more time that day to chat with him longer.
Camera: Diana F Film: Kodak Verichrome Pan (expired 1970's!)
7 Responses to “Milton”
db
September 20, 2007 11:20
Good work.
It's always interesting to stop strangers and have a chat (with a camera) IMHO, maybe nice to see some shots of him in the environment.. ie with other blurred bodies whizzing past? Just a h/shot doesn't give us many visual clues to his story.
After all, you've done the hard yards of actually asking him, most times people will tolerate a bit of mucking around with extra shots!
September 20, 2007 11:20
Good work.
It's always interesting to stop strangers and have a chat (with a camera) IMHO, maybe nice to see some shots of him in the environment.. ie with other blurred bodies whizzing past? Just a h/shot doesn't give us many visual clues to his story.
After all, you've done the hard yards of actually asking him, most times people will tolerate a bit of mucking around with extra shots!
nankuru_susumu
September 20, 2007 11:40
I love it ! Cool !!
It is a wonderful portrait!
（素敵なポートレートですね！）
September 20, 2007 11:40
I love it ! Cool !!
It is a wonderful portrait!
（素敵なポートレートですね！）
becky
September 21, 2007 06:05
Thanks for talking to him and making this grand photo. I 'm with db on seeing more of the environment, but when your time is limited, we catch what we can. Lovely narrative too!
September 21, 2007 06:05
Thanks for talking to him and making this grand photo. I 'm with db on seeing more of the environment, but when your time is limited, we catch what we can. Lovely narrative too!
Cameron
September 21, 2007 14:40
Thanks all,
Don, Beck - yes, time constraints suck, if it's not appointments to keep or kids to pick up or trying to beat peak traffic, then it's trying to avoid parking fines!
One day I am going to take public transport into town and spend the whole day taking the time to absorb more, whether it be peoples stories withe their photos or just NOT rushing and coming home late and happy in the knowledge of a relaxed photo day well spent...
I did get a shot of Milton sitting on the curbing that runs along the pier walkway, but strangely no one else is in shot at the time, in fact the spot looks almost deserted (except for Milton of course) In true toy camera fashion poor old Milton's face is pretty well right in this Diana's "blur spot" in the image I'm refering to. Maybe I'll post it one day...
Cheers,
Cam
September 21, 2007 14:40
Thanks all,
Don, Beck - yes, time constraints suck, if it's not appointments to keep or kids to pick up or trying to beat peak traffic, then it's trying to avoid parking fines!
One day I am going to take public transport into town and spend the whole day taking the time to absorb more, whether it be peoples stories withe their photos or just NOT rushing and coming home late and happy in the knowledge of a relaxed photo day well spent...
I did get a shot of Milton sitting on the curbing that runs along the pier walkway, but strangely no one else is in shot at the time, in fact the spot looks almost deserted (except for Milton of course) In true toy camera fashion poor old Milton's face is pretty well right in this Diana's "blur spot" in the image I'm refering to. Maybe I'll post it one day...
Cheers,
Cam
Amy
September 24, 2007 11:49
How wonderful, Cam. The picture and the story. I love things like that. If only we would all take some time out to acknowledge other people in this way!
St. Kilda is such a beautiful spot, too.
September 24, 2007 11:49
How wonderful, Cam. The picture and the story. I love things like that. If only we would all take some time out to acknowledge other people in this way!
St. Kilda is such a beautiful spot, too.
Lisa
September 25, 2007 06:34
Wonderful picture and a great story to go with it. I love chatting with people when I'm out shooting - it's one of my favorite things about photography. I can't take my eyes off the crisp white of that shirt! - that film rocks.
September 25, 2007 06:34
Wonderful picture and a great story to go with it. I love chatting with people when I'm out shooting - it's one of my favorite things about photography. I can't take my eyes off the crisp white of that shirt! - that film rocks.
