Waiting to pull out of the station. Image © Thomas Graves.
I had a wonderful PhotoJournalism teacher in college (actually, I had two, but we'll save Will's story for another day.) A dear, kind man who offered support and instruction in the most gentle, respectful way. Beyond just teaching technique and best practices, he was somehow able to pass along actual inspiration.
One of those inspirations came from a saying he used only a couple of times in the several years I knew him. He said, "If I ever go to prison, I won't be bored because I can always watch the light. It changes all the time, and it's always beautiful." I thought that sentiment was a bit extreme at first, but now I find myself constantly looking for that beauty, for the great light, for the reflections, for the shadows. Even without a camera in my hands I find something wonderful around almost every corner of my life, just looking at the play of the light.
Thank you, Dr. John Ahlhauser. Rest well.
Reflection of the sunset at the pond in town. Image © Thomas Graves.