Everyone has a story

I was out hunting post sunset blue light shots recently and spotted a Chinese New Year celebration at a local shopping center. Score, I thought, and in addition to the traditional fare the neighboring Asian community had brought in a traveling carnival show. Therefore, I had plenty of rich colors, lights, and folks to make my night a successful hunt and shoot.

However, the most interesting part of my evening came as I was heading home. When I neared the exit, I made one more effort to capture some shots of one of the rides. After I stopped shooting one of the worker's, who was watching me, ask; "Are you getting some good shots?" His comments surprised me a bit since, as a photographer, I always like to stay as invisible as possible. Responding, I turned and showed him what I had been snapping shots of. "Oh those are nice, you know we just painted that ride last week, it's really a beauty".

Well, now my interest was up and I used the opening to chat with him more." Where do you head next", I ask. "Gila Bend, Arizona" he said, “Then Tucson, Arizona”. I smiled and nodded politely. Furthermore, after a few minutes of conversation, I learned that he and his wife have been with the carnival since the fall (she runs the shooting gallery). He isn’t certain how long they will stay with the carnival. He also stated prior to signing on with the carnie he was a stone mason. However, with the economy in the tank and no work for him they lost their home. Moreover, he had to sell all of his tools and possessions to get by. This is when they decided to go on the road with the carnival. Their desire is to get back to a more normal life but for now the carnival is home for them.

I guess my point is everyone has a story about their life that is often sad or unusual. As a photographer, if one is alert, we can capture these moments visually as well as verbally. I regret not having taken more shots of him and in retrospect, feel like I missed an opportunity to share his story in a photograph. However, his words also made me feel very fortunate for the life I have and my wish is that his turn will come very soon for better times for him and his family.

Copyright Tom Speropulos 2010