4. The Bridge

I don’t know how many times I’ve crossed this pedestrian bridge since I’ve been here, but once again, I find myself walking across the Charles Bridge admiring the panoramic view of Prague.  The view is beautiful, but I’m not feeling inspired to photograph the bridge itself, which is a very famous landmark in the city.  I’m more interested in the artists selling their work from one side of the bridge to the other.  One photographer’s work really captures my interest, and I walk over and introduce myself to him.  He tells me his name is Peter and that he’s been selling his images of the Charles Bridge, on the bridge, for 24 years.  We get into a discussion about photography as I admire the details and expertise in his work.  I’m feeling envious of his high skill level, and I ask him for some advice.  He says, “A picture is not about a place, it’s about the photographer.”  I pause and let his statement sink in.  “That’s very true,” I say.  “And it’s an interesting perspective to an image, or to what one chooses to photograph.”  “Yes,” he says and our conversation continues on the topic of vulnerability and how photography reveals the photographer and what they’re drawn to.  He says, “I’m drawn to the architecture of this beautiful city.”  Looking at his work, it’s obvious that he tries hard to create images of what attracts him.  “I do this photography so that I can travel in my caravan and go windsurfing.  I love to windsurf.”  I watch his face light up as he talks about his recent trip to Morocco.  I can relate.  I think about how I have my own career in the biotech industry to support my passion for travel and photography, and I find the parallel interesting…  He shoots photography to travel and windsurf, and I work to save money to travel and shoot photography.  I tell him a little bit about my work and how I’m teaching myself to write my book and a blog for my website.  He asks me what I like to take pictures of.  I tell him, “People.  I like how I connect with people through my lens.”  He tells me to continue doing that and to forget about the bridge.  “Create your own message,” he says.  “You have to.  It’s what makes you, you.”