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Three Generations, IL, 1987 The Smiths are an institution in Chadwick, Illinois. Although these men are always busy with their businesses, they find time for the fire department and the school board and numerous civic obligations. The Fourth of July just wouldn't happen without their expertise. But whenever I need help, a minor repair or some welding done, they usually make room for my problem without appearing to be doing me a huge favor. I had wanted to photograph the Smiths for years, all three generations together in the shop, but I kept putting it off. Portraits are hard, dealing with personalities, getting just the right balance of visual and emotional content. I met Don about thirty years ago. He used to tell me stories of the old days, like when they locked the doors of the saloon from the outside, just to keep the women and children safe. His near fatal heart attack finally shocked me into searching their manufacturing plant for a suitable portrait location. The simple elegance of the light in the spray room made it an obvious choice. A silver over-spray from the coating process covered every object in the room, reflecting light into even the deepest shadows. They thought I was crazy when I asked them to stop working and assemble for a portrait. Don couldn't figure it out. He thought there had to be some kind of angle or catch, muttering, "Why anyone would want a picture of a bunch like us is beyond me." As I set up the camera, the younger men moved naturally into a strong composition around their father and grandfather. All I could think of to say as I set up the camera was, "Trust me, you'll see." |
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