I was parked at the roadside taking photographs when a homeowner pulled in to his property. As soon as he saw me he marched purposefully across the street in my direction. Uh-oh. Here we go, I thought.
“Hey!” he called. I smiled disarmingly and waved, expecting to be grilled on why I was there and what I was doing. This is the usual way it works and after a couple of minutes of reassurance, all is well. That did not happen today. “You’re Carl, aren’t you?”, “Yes I am!” Beaming smile, I wasn’t going to need to dig out a business card.
“I’ve seen your photos on Facebook! Somewhere In Niagara, right? Great photos! Love what you do. You know, if you want, you can just park up and walk around! Any time!” I told him I wouldn’t presume to do this, of course. We talked for a while about my travels. The joy of exploration. Photography. What in particular caught my eye. In this case, this tree with the mushrooms.
Reflection
After I left, I reflected on the warm and fuzzy feeling this interaction gave me. It’s nice to meet someone that enjoys my work. Very affirmational. It’s also nice be recognized, especially when property owners know my work and understand my commitment to respecting their privacy and their property even when shooting across it.
Also my car is apparently as well known around here as I am. Which is entirely fine. I have absolutely nothing to hide when I’m out and about, so I have no concerns when people see me in their area. Those that recognize my car can be assured that this slow-moving vehicle is not out scouting prospective locations for fly-tipping. 🙂
Thank you, Niagara neighbour who shall not be named as that may identify your place. Your welcome means a lot. I find myself becoming increasingly well known through Somewhere In Niagara. Which is odd because I actively try to avoid people during my travels. I’m not antisocial, just out there for some peace and quiet.
People I don’t know come up and talk to me all the time, and that’s very nice. I get valuable feedback, and interact with real people. Make new friends. And you can’t put a price on that. So I think I’m going to keep going. Always onward. Taking photographs of this beautiful peninsula.
Where did I shoot this? Well. Somewhere In Niagara, of course.
