When I have exhibited my work, people invariably ask, “What the heck were you thinking about with that photo?” And much to the disappointment of the questioner, I generally reply, “You know, I don't know.”
This has proven, almost always, to be a very unsatisfactory response. But honestly, I really can't explain why. As you might imagine, this can be a pretty challenging position when working on assignment for someone who might have a very definite idea about what is “the best view.”
Most people who know me, and some who have hired me to do their photography, are willing to let me go. Some are anxious about letting me go photographically, but don't hesitate to let me
go! I mean, really, let me go. Like, sayonara. Not the right guy for the job. Well, nobody's perfect. Take me as I am and let the good times roll.
When wandering about the planet, things catch my eye. For no obvious conscious reason, I will make a photograph. Part of my decisions, I think, come from a spot far back in the deep places of my brain which store a lot of stuff from throughout my life. When something pops in front of the lens, a little button is pushed, in my brain and by my finger, almost simultaneously.
This week's photo is a case in point. These are pilings and floats off Hodgdon Yachts, and Ocean Point Marina, in East Boothbay, once were better known by me as Goudy & Stevens Cove. I spent a lot of time there with Jim, Tunk, Joel, and Jake Stevens and a gang of wild workers. Even Ellen Stevens Newton, when a bottle was needed to be broken for the launch of a new vessel.
An image made from memory.