Thursday, September 11, 2013 5:46 AM Pacific Time
Thursday, September 11, 2014 5:46 AM Pacific Time
At The Ready
Bend Oregon
4x5 T-Max 100 Film
Linhof Tech V Camera
210 mm lens
2 Minute Exposure at f/16
This scene saved this project for me. I was on my way home from one of
the worst photography workshop experiences I have ever had. The workshop
at Shore Acres and Bandon Oregon had not been productive, and was a huge
disappointment. I was frustrated and angry and ready to get home.
It was a long, long drive for nothing.
I had left Coos Bay at noon on September 10th and had driven as
far as Bend before stopping for the night. Exhaustion and
frustration was getting the best of my judgement. For the entire
day of traveling, I had been looking for photographic
possibilities for the 9/11 image, but had not seen anything fitting.
When I was in the hotel room, I thought that I had come to the end of
the project. I felt that I had finally succombed to the more and
more prevalent feeling that 9/11 was in the past - no big deal any more.
These days we have Ebola, and ISIS to worry about. That
awful day becomes a more and more distant memory every year.
The fact that I was even considering not making the photo, was making me
more upset and more angry the longer I sat in the hotel room. Finally, I
concluded I was not ready to quit. So what if it is hard. So
what if I had to work for the image. Time to stop moping and to get
busy.
I got in the car and headed back to the west, along the highway I had
traveled into town. I had noticed a large flag at a business near the
highway, and I thought if it were lighted, there may be a photography
opportunity. If that would not work, maybe I would see something
else.
The flag idea was a complete bust. The flag was not lighted, and
from all angles the background was horrible. It was very dark by
now, and as I drove further west, there was less to see. Finally I
turned around and headed to toward the hotel. I was hungry and
felt defeated. At the moment the large flag that had carried all
of my hope for saving the project came into view on the left side of the
car, something caught my attention on the right side - the lights of the
fire station. The huge glass doors, the gleaming fire engines, it
all fell into place. Immediately, my mind connected the dots and I
was transported back to the day of 9/11 and the First Reponders
answering the call, even knowing the outlook was grim. Firefighters
running into the smoke and ash and dirt that everyone else was running
away from. The Project is saved!
I saw a couple of firefighters in the bay of the station, so I pulled in
and parked. I introduced myself and explained my project, and
asked if I could return the next morning to make a photo at 5:46 AM. They
both immediately seemed to know the significance of the time. Without
hesitation they granted permission, but then qualified it with
conditions. Nothing difficult. Just that I needed to understand that the smaller
truck was most likely to be called out, with the truck in the far bay
being the next most likely. They felt it would be best to
photograph aligned with the center bay, but to be ready to get out of
the way quickly if there was a call. I agreed and went out to the
driveway to preview the scene.
When I walked in front of the middle bay, the photograph all came
together. The light range was extreme, but thanks to the John
Sexton workshop I attended this spring, I was able to manage that
issue. There were minimal camera movements required. I felt
incredibly fortunate. I went back to the hotel that night feeling like
the trip was worth it after all.
When I arrived at the fire station the next morning, everything was quiet
and still. The morning was crisp and clear. A great morning for
photography. I set up the camera and had about 20 minutes to wait
for 5:46 AM. It gave me time to think about the previous eleven
September 11 mornings, and the variety of locations I had photographed.
And about how the project has a mind of its own, and if I try to force
it, it does not work. The fire station was very different from the other scenes I had found,
but the feeling I had was the same. Knowing inside how important
this was. How meaningful this was. How easy it is to screw up an
exposure using a large format camera. The tension builds as
I check and double check and triple check the camera, the meter
readings, the film.
Just before the magic moment arrives, I notice that the light level on
the building has increased and I hurry to meter the scene. I
quickly make the final adjustment, and release the shutter - photograph
number 12 of this project is created.
As I packed up to leave, I could not help but know that from the first
year, things have fallen into place to make these photographs special,
at least to me. I hope they are special to you as well. But
most importantly, I hope you never forget why I create them. It is truly
a labor of love.
No matter what, I will continue to photograph on September 11, as long
as I am able.
And I will remember why I do this........
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Friday, September 11, 2014 6:46 AM Mountain Time
Friday, September 11, 2015 6:46 AM Mountain
Time
Grain Elevator
Chappell, Nebraska
8x10 Ilford HP5+ Film
Kodak Master View Camera
250 mm lens
½ Second Exposure at f/22
When I began thinking and planning for this year’s photo, I knew
I would be close to home for September 11, rather than be
traveling. I thought about returning to Snowy Range, because I
always enjoy having time there. I also considered trying to find
a scene in Northern Colorado, possibly a grasslands image.
Eventually I remembered I had seen this particular grain
elevator some time ago, and the huge flag really caught my
attention.
I decided to scout the scene, to be sure the flag was still
there, and to find a possible camera position.
I hopped on the motorcycle and made the nearly 300 mile
(round trip) on September 9.
I was happy to find the Flag still there and looking
great.
When I was in my teens, working on my Grandfather’s farm, I used
to haul wheat to this elevator, so in a way, this was a
homecoming for me.
It was a beautiful morning.
Calm winds and only a few clouds. The clouds helped even
the light on the elevator.
I sat up the camera and waited for 6:46, and I thought about all
the family that have another anniversary to remember those who
perished. Not only
in the attacks, but also in the wars that followed.
While all of share the loss, some feel it much more than
others. The post
9/11 patriotism has not returned, maybe it never will.
It is so sad.
will Never Forget why I do this........
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