They say that to create unique images, you should photograph your secrets. That’s a tall order when you and 49 other people gather in one spot for two hours for Scott Kelby’s World Wide Photo Walk. Still I was up for the challenge. It’s not so much a secret as it is a little known fact that I was weaned on spaghetti westerns and country music. My Dad used to take me to the cinema and we’d watch the latest John Wayne movie or episode of Gunsmoke although most times I’d fall asleep as it was long past my bedtime. Musically I could sing along with Jim Reeves and Charlie Pride and sometimes I’d fancy myself as Skeeter Davis. I became a closet cowgirl when as a new immigrant in a Grade 9 class, I revealed I listened to country music and became the laughing stock. Today it’s time to pull back the curtain and to share some tales from the cowboy trail!
Meet Louis. He sat by the window at his workbench, the light streaming through casting a soft glow on his weathered face. It was a portrait calling out to be made. As a Parks Canada employee, Louis is used to being a model for visitors and it is easy to just step into his workshop, snap a picture, and leave happy. I sensed though that he wanted more; he had a story he wanted to share. Turns out that Louis is a saddle maker and he had brought in the first saddle he made to show everyone.
This isn’t a very good photograph of his saddle and it certainly doesn’t do it justice. It took him over 200 hours to make it and the leatherwork is pure craftsmanship. I should have found a better angle to show the detail but that’s a note for next time. He actually made this saddle while taking lessons from another saddle maker who made him draw his own patterns as seen below.
Although he doesn’t get to make saddles as part of his job at the Bar U Ranch, he does repair harnesses in the workshop. In the image below, I was able to get the right depth of field that I missed in the image above.
Parks Canada is known as one of the best employers in Canada. It is often featured on the top 50 employers list and I’ve heard from others that it’s a good place to work. Louis has worked there for 12 years and he loves it. He’s a real people person and just the kind of guy you’d want to engage visitors in conversation. It is a wonderful thing to meet someone who loves what they do. Being a cowboy hasn’t been easy since the BSE (mad cow disease) breakout several years ago but there is something indomitable about the spirit of a cowboy and I hope it comes through in these images.
Here is one final portrait of Louis and for one from Darwin Wiggett, the WWPW leader, please check out his website here. I plan to do two or three more posts in this series so please drop by again. Comments are always welcome!
Wow Sabrina, I love these. Great stories too, which I always love.
I’d have never guessed that you had that side of you!
Mark
Thank you Mark. The little mystery that is me seems to want to be revealed through my photography. I just hope I have enough secrets for this lifetime journey!
How interesting that you went on a photowalk with Darwin Wiggett, a terrific landscape photographer, at a Parks Canada site—and came away with portraits! Not at all what I was expecting, and I like that.
I know! I went looking for landscapes but we really needed more time to discover anything like what Darwin brings home. You make do with what you’re given. That defining moment in Kenya feels like what you described–a new level from which there is no return. I’m loving photographing people!
Ah! This is a great story to tell.
Glad you enjoyed it. You must know that your “100 Strangers” project has gotten under my skin and the images you share make me want to go out there and make friends like Louis.
This is a lovely series and story mistakes [warts] and all. I love the fact that you came back form the WWPW with s story. Not many would do. Although I missed the WWPW I get together now and then with a group called fortheLOVEofBROOKLYN for a photowalk and I’ll endeavour to seek out a story next time I do.
I’m so pleased you mentioned my mistakes, Ed. I have to tell you that they are starting to feel like a natural part of the creative process–much more so than before.
As for the story, it was interesting to see how many people came and went while we were chatted with Louis. I really felt for him because it was a bit like witnessing a “hit and run” multiple times. I think we lose something for ourselves when we don’t take the time to get to know the people we photograph.
Oh I forgot to mention Ed, please do share your work from fortheLOVEofBROOKLYN. I’d love to see it presented as a whole story!
This is fantastic Sabrina. Great story and images to tell it.
Had an uncle who was a saddle maker in the SW so I know what characters they can be. I think you have gotten something here that really tells the story of who and what Louis is.
Sabrina, great job connecting with Louis, I doubt hardly any of the other photographers even asked his name. You show that by connecting with your subject, you get a more ‘human’ experience and you also come away with better photos, and photos that tell a story rather than an isolated moment. Thanks for the lesson.
Darwin
Great story and beautifully documented with your photographs. Well done!
Sabrina, wonderful story and images. I had to smile as I read it.
As a kid, I loved to watch Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger, Sky King (it had strong cowboy elements) and Death Valley Days. Then there was also Rawhide, Bonanza, the Rifleman, Cheyenne, Branded, Rin Tin Tin and Have Gun Will Travel.
I’m probably forgetting some classics but you get the idea — I’m old.
Yeah, when I was growing up it was cool to want to be a cowboy. Happy trails!
Wonderful Sabrina, I think maybe you’ve captured the essence of the WWPW by capturing a great photo and an interesting story. Speaking with potential subjects is likely the next wall I need to scale.
I like this whole series of shots and my favorite one is the last one. Good post processing on them also. I did not get to do the walk this year but sure did enjoy my time last year.
This is a wonderful story and so glad you introduced Louis to us. You have shown how to connect with the subject, find out about them and put all of it together to create wonderful images.
Love the stories and the photos and I love the fact that people photos are becoming a greater part of your photography. I think getting to know people gives a better experience to all of us – the photographed and the photographer. Our life is richer for it. Once I photographed a street guy and he told me I was the fist person that had ‘seen’ him. How sad is that?
maureen
great great class! A beautiful serie there’s a lot of “texture” to it
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I appreciate all the comments and thoughts! There are some more stories to come but I do think this one is the strongest. It isn’t easy photographing people but I’m learning something new each time I try.
Learning, that’s what it’s all about!
It looks like you have captured his warmth very well.
I’m a fan of this story too, Sabrina. LOVE to see craftsmen and their work, no matter where in the world they are. So glad you gave him the gift of your time. It’s a tough job that he does… hard to face vaguely interested visitors daily and maintain the right kind of love for the job.