Character Study

When I am out photographing I usually have a subject matter in mind, and often it depends on my connection to the area.  If I am in a familiar area my focus is concentrated to one or two things of interest.  The times that I am traveling out of the area in search of new locations I am open to all possible subject matter that may exist.  On a recent trip to the state of Washington I was traveling through an area and noticed an old abandoned Bookmobile bus parked off in a field.  I was intrigued with the multiple layers of faded paint and rust that this old bus had.  I pulled off to the side of the road and thought about what elements of the bus caught my attention.  Desiring to photograph this subject I decided to locate the property owner and ask for permission to walk around the bus and photograph it.   I have found over the years, that when asked, most people are friendly and have no problem with my request.  I saw some movement in a large building out behind a house and with my camera in hand I walked up the gravel drive.  I never know who's world I am walking into as a stranger, but I greet them with a friendly hello and introduce myself.  Over the years I have come across some very friendly and interesting folk.  This gentleman is a diesel mechanic and has a large garage where he repairs trucks for the logging industry in the area.  In our discussion I was able to ask some questions about the area, and I learned about a few new photography locations I was unaware of.  I enjoy getting to know something about the people in the area and their history.  This gentleman's family were some of the original pioneers to move into this part of the state, and he still owns all the land that his family acquired many years before.  After talking for quite awhile I knew taking his portrait in his work place would make a great photograph.  It is always rewarding to be able to meet people and photograph them as I travel around.  In many ways these images of people are my most rewarding work.