Ok, I think I’ve decided to talk about my photographs more or less in the chronological order in which they were made. So here is another early one I am quite fond of, made when I was a teenager.

I always enjoyed walking around downtown Buffalo with only my 35mm camera, a 50mm lens along and a roll or two of film. I was becoming more confident in myself and the results I was getting, often of people I found interesting in some sort of way. I was looking for what I have come to think of as environmental portraits … always as close as I could get, even though I didn’t own a 35mm lens. Glasses and Glass, Buffalo is a good example of this!

There was some kind of outdoor art festival going on and these events always could be counted on to bring out some interesting looking people!  The first thing I noticed when I saw this woman sitting behind her table was the unusual large glass vases she was selling. But as I got closer, I noticed the slightly bizarre eye glasses she was wearing.  They seemed to mirror the shapes and designs of the vases sitting in front of her!  As I continued to study the scene before me I realized she was sitting in front of a large storefront window that had been covered with designs made from soap or candle wax. These background designs seemed to mirror woman’s glasses and her glasswork! I got as close as I reasonably could, smiled, framed up and made my picture, then nodded and walked away.

I’m not so sure this picture would have been as successful were it not for the chaotic background. And even with that background, it wouldn’t have been very interesting without those wonderful and tacky glasses!  All and all a lucky combination that all came together in an instant. I think it is these lucky combinations of visual elements that are what make the most interesting and rewarding images. It can be frustrating; they’re far and few between, but fifty years later I am still on the lookout for them! When found its pure magic!

Stay well,

Michael