Ramblings...#3
by Timothy B. Anderson


I recently had the opportunity to assist a photographer friend of mine, Pat Berrett, who had been hired to photograph at a local school. The assignment was titled, “Grandday.” We arrived at the location around 8:00am and were told to get something to eat. Pat had told me that he had been doing this assignment for few years, so I simply followed his lead for most of the day.

After breakfast we separated and began to shoot candid photographs of those in attendance. As you may gather from the title of the assignment, most of the people there were grand-parents of the students. The main purpose of the assignment as Pat told me was to photograph grand-parents and their grand-children in a setting much like a studio. So we set up our gear in the corner of the huge tent. Shortly thereafter, I turned around and saw a very long line forming with a lot of laughing and hugging.

During that day we photographed more than 200 people and I felt that there was no better way I could have spent my day. It was a very rewarding experience to see all the happy faces and listen to their comments about how they were proud of each other and how much it meant to them to be able to be here for this occasion.

As photographers, I know we can get caught up in the minutiae of what we do. The business of photography is a very time consuming, and highly detail-oriented pursuit, especially if you have chosen it as a career. So, when we have a chance to get out of the office and do something completely different, we do it (unless we are on deadline, of course!). The next time someone asks you to help them with a project, do just that: help them, and I hope you will get the same feeling I did.

It was fun to be an assistant and to not have to worry about much except greeting those who wanted to be photographed and ushering them to and from the set. They (the grand-parents) came on their own two legs, and with the assistance of canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; each with a big smile and a hearty thanks to us for being there. Pat has done this for a few years, so it was heart-warming for me to hear him talk of how the students had grown since he shot them the last time. He has seen some of the students grow from sixth through twelfth grades.

I will remember the smiles, the handshakes, the hugs, and even a couple tips of the hat. It was a great day to be alive.

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Only a few days left before we elect our next president in a race that could very well be remembered as the most important in history. It doesn’t matter who you follow, you just need to get out there and vote.

That’s enough rambling for now, readers, and I hope you have a great weekend. P.S. don’t forget to donate. Remember, for donations of $25 or more, I will send you an 8x10 of Red Dog, himself.