Denver fire...A Haunting Experience
By Steve Wilson
28 Oct 2008
As an Air Force photographer attending a school called Combat Pix, I found myself in many situations where stories were thrust upon me. I just had to recognize them.
Lowry Air Force Base was a center of education. One such course was aimed at making photographers use their instincts and trained eye to find stories and interesting subjects in addition to regular Combat Photography assignments.
Often, these opportunities would present themselves at the strangest times. In many cases, the subject would only be presented for a brief time. It was over if it was given too much thought.
As a Photographic Instructor, I have always preached that the most inexpensive item in the bag was film. Today, that isn't an issue with those who shoot digital, but the mentality to "save" is still there. I know one amateur photographer who still shoots only "e-mail" quality.
When assignments were handed out in Combat Pix it always posed the question, "Why this ?" Some were stupid, like photographing a statue 16 different ways. Some made sense, but were hard to get since we did not have private transportation. Almost everyone assembled was flown in or arrived by bus. It was time consuming to actually find a subject, get there, photograph it and get back to the base.
On one such trip to town, I happened upon a hotel fire. I had photographed a fire before, but at age 19 my experience at such a tragedy was limited, and it seemed emotions were peaked all around me. I photographed the building. Then I thought, this isn't the subject. I looked at the crowd and saw the look of anguish on many faces which were mesmorized by the whole scene unfolding at that time in front of the "audience".
Then I saw a girl being carried by a rescue worker. He stopped, turned and became an observer like the rest of us. His expression and that of the little girl told the story.
Something was very wrong today. Why was this happening ? What caused it ? How many people are hurt ?
I remembered scenes in magazines and historic photographs. It many cases the event was secondary to those viewing it.
Since that day, the thought that we are all just moments from such news and great photographic opportunities has been burned into my photographic conscience. Always carry a camera. Always be aware of what might happen.
Sometimes, weather or scheduled events can lead to great photographs. But I prefer to believe that the best happen without advance planning. Each of us will have at least one opportunity to make a really important contribution to photography. Be ready.
14 responses
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John Linton gave props (28 Oct 2008):
Oh yeah! Your feature rocks!
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John Linton said (28 Oct 2008):
Too bad you took down the building shot...it was a cool addition to the story.
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Michael Adams gave props (28 Oct 2008):
Great story!
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Mayette Ignacio gave props (28 Oct 2008):
Awesome story Steve, my vote!!
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Liz A###### gave props (28 Oct 2008):
Got my vote! You make a very important point here!
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Rob Case gave props (29 Oct 2008):
Excellent....excellent...excellent. WELL DONE STEVE!
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Lynn H gave props (30 Oct 2008):
Gets my vote. Excellent story and photos, Steve!
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Ronnie Ginnever gave props (30 Oct 2008):
fascinating story and images - my vote.
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Dee Brown gave props (1 Nov 2008):
Wonderful story Steve. Very compelling. Always carry your camera!
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Megan Brimm added a link (28 Nov 2008):
This is fabulous, would you mind taking a look at my story? (jpgmag.com)
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Dirk HR Spennemann gave props (22 Dec 2008):
great story!
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Judy Wanamaker gave props (14 Apr 2009):
Excellent captures, and wonderful advice. Steve, this should be published. Voting yeah.
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Stefanie Failk gave props (1 Oct 2009):
I agree with Judy.This should be published
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John Smith gave props (20 Nov 2009):
Excellent story & photo...very well done.
