Accidentally memorable
Sep 25th, 2008 by JoeC
There’s an old expression in golf, “Every once in a while, even a blind squirrel finds a nut.” It’s usually invoked when an otherwise inept duffer (like myself) makes an incredible golf shot worthy of a pro. This applies to photograpy, too, I think. Sometimes, without realizing it at the time, you just happen to snap a memorable photo; one that captures the essense of a place or a person.
Very early this year, I visited the Boulevard Diner in Worcester, Massachusetts with friends Scott Monty and CC Chapman, both diner aficianados. I am a very old patron of the Boulevard, having gone there after fraternity parties in my college days, 40 years ago. It was great to be back, enjoying the ambience and the sausage sandwiches. I spend some time snapping photos of the place, which should really be a historic landmark. It’s a Worcester Lunch Car diner, originally built in 1936 and has much of its original woodwork and finishings. I happened to catch this view of the counter, the menu board, the waitress in a reflective moment, and the cook, gossiping with a friend.
It may mean more to me because of my college memories, but I think it speaks to a certain essential America; an honest, hard-working city; the nobility of work; the sense of place and heritage you only find in old things. In particular, I love the waitress. She’s proud, straight-backed and comfortable with her cup of coffee, looking out on the world.
Yes, every once in a while, even this blind squirrel finds a nut. I hope you’ll share it with me.
It’s gorgeous.
I’m going to send a friend of mine a link to this who used to teach in Worcester - I bet he gets a kick out of it.
I know I did.
And yeah - it’s archetypal Americana. Great shot!!
Love it! Great diners in Somerville too.
This is a great shot! You really captured the feel of the place.
…and now I’m hungry.
Joe,
I agree — this is an awesome photo. I like the waitress, too, in a contemplative moment, especially as she is set it in that timeless diner stage. Dress her in a starched uniform and cap, tint the photo slightly, and it’s 1958 instead of 2008. It speaks volumes.
Nice work — for a blind squirrel!
; )
A great photograph captures the energy and emotions of a situation and I think you really got it with this one. The casual conversation in the background, the waitress watching her post but getting a moment to herself and the chaotic menu that was a blast to order from.
Now I’m hungry!
[...] But probably my most lasting memory from that day is not that photo, but this one: I blogged about it here: Accidently Memorable. [...]