Lucky train
May 1, 2009. Needed several portraits of local soldiers for an upcoming Memorial Day tab. Saw this beautifully rusted out train car behind the camp’s PR office and knew I had to use it. I dismissed the idea of having one of the soldiers climb up into the back figuring it was a tetanus shot waiting to happen. But then this first sergeant jumped up there without being asked – I think he knew it would make a neat shot. I’m so happy this presented itself, because the whole time I was driving to the assignment I was wondering what the heck I was going to do. Below is another portrait showing the side of the train.
i love that top shot… great idea. i think, even if it seems weird (or a bit dangerous, i.e. tetanus), it’s always good to at least ask people if they would mind trying out an idea you’ve got. i’ve gotten some of the best portraits by asking people to do crazy things that i never thought they’d say yes to, but honestly, most people always say yes! and if they’re uncomfortable, i always just brush it off and say, no big deal!