To Ask

By Kenneth Wajda

I was sitting under a patio umbrella in my yard yesterday, reading an issue of Popular Photography magazine from 1956, when something incredible happened. I made a photograph. In my mind. I saw the final frame. It was fully conceived.

There was just one small issue. I hadn't made it.

I couldn't. The elements were across the street in the form of three generations of guys—my neighbor who is the grandfather, his son, and his grandson—the three of them tossing around a baseball, playing a game of catch with mitts and all. What a photo opportunity.

But I don't really know that neighbor, only to wave hello to when he's out mowing his lawn or he sees me mowing mine. But otherwise, we've never spoken. I decided then to go—I crossed the street. Now it was too late to turn back. My neighbor saw me and came over to the fence.

I said hello. Explained I was watching them play and how I so want to make their photograph, a portrait of the three of them, seated on the ground against the side of that garage, gloves in hand.

The neighbor, the grandfather, asked, "What do you want it for?"

What do I want it for? That was his question—this is where we've come with photography in 2021.

I said I wanted it to give to him. And to give to his son. To make the photograph and give it to them so they would have this photograph that will quickly age as that youngster grows up, but will be priceless in 30 years. But I explained I knew it wouldn't happen if I didn't cross the street and tell them.

They were glad to pose and grabbed seats on the ground alongside the garage, a nice white clean background. They each wore their ball gloves. I was all set when the neighbor's granddaughter ran over with her own glove, so I told her to come on, get in there, sit with the rest of them. So it's a different photograph from my vision, but it's sweet all the same. A shot of the grandpa, his granddaughter, his grandson and his son, all posed together for my camera, gloves in hand. Thirty seconds and eight frames later we were finished. They thanked me. I said I'd get them a print when it's ready and then crossed the street back home.

As a photograph it's more special than any portrait of a dignitary, politician or celebrity I've made. This one isn't selling anything—it's just a small moment in the history of a family. Delivered framed, this will hopefully last in their homes for generations of new ballplayers to come.

Kenneth

Mike comments: This impressed me! I know I'm jumping the gun by presenting this early, but the situation Kenneth described really resonated with me. I probably imagine doing something like this virtually every day of my life. But Kenneth actually had the courage to take action, ask, and get the shot. I never do—or almost never.

And I love that "What do I want it for? To give to you." Seems like that would please most people.

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Patrick J Dodds: "Thanks for the powerful little story Kenneth / Mike. It has made my morning."

Daniel: "One important lesson from this. Take the shot when opportunity knocks. It may not be there later. Ask when appropriate—the worst they can do is say no."

Marvin Van Drunen: "When my wife and I are at a zoo, a botanic garden, a museum...really, anywhere and I see a family and the dad or mom is trying to take a selfie or a iPhone photo of their kids, I very often ask, 'Would you like me to use your camera or phone to take a picture of your whole family?' Usually, and I'd guess 95% of the time, the mom or dad or both get a big smile on their face and say something like, 'Wow, thanks.' I then do my best to get a nice snap, hopefully properly composed and I always get a big 'THANK YOU.' This doesn't make me some kind of hero, but I hope the families end up with a nice memory of their time together. It's very nearly the most fun a have taking pictures and I'm not even using my own camera. I'm sure lots of 'serious' photographers do this as well. I love it!"

Mike replied: Richard Avedon used to tell a story about a time this happened to him when he was the highest paid fashion photographer in the world. It occurred to him that it was ironic because normally people had to pay him thousands of dollars to take a picture for them. He didn't mention it. The people didn't recognize him. Somewhere there was a family who had a unique original Avedon and didn't even know it! Although it probably looked just like an ordinary snapshot anyway. Kinda funny though.

Albert Smith: "I'm so envious of those not afflicted with shyness or having introverted tendencies. I enjoyed reading this and liked the photo very much, but I'd rather run a marathon solo than interact the way Kenneth did with his neighbors. I can't ever generate the bravery to approach semi or full strangers to ask for a posed photo. These days when everyone is paranoid about ill intent, I never have an answer to the inevitable question, 'What are you going to do with it?' I see these potential photos often, always have a camera available and just can't get it done. I salute your boldness, Kenneth."

James Pilcher: "This post brought tears to my eyes; don't ask me to explain. Such a wonderful slice of humanity. Thank you to Kenneth and Michael."

Comments

[Kenneth Tanaka]

A lovely photo and terrific personal backstory, Kenneth. (Particularly on the day after the first Field of Dreams game!) You'll certainly always remember this image. And they'll each probably always remember this image especially if you give them prints. How much higher of a calling can a photograph have?

Thanks for sharing it with us, Kenneth!

[Eric Peterson]

Bravo!

[Phil]

I remember back in the 1960's,on a cold, dark day, we were near the beach in Ventura, CA. We decided on a whim to get a bottle of premixed Manhattans, some ice, glasses and snacks, and go watch the sunset on the beach. There were 2 guys and a gal about 50 ft. away. As we sat down, one of the guys came over and asked if we would take their picture. Then he explained that they had driven up from Los Angeles so the couple could get married at the Mission in Ventura, but they had forgotten a camera. I gladly agreed, so he called the couple over and I took 6 or 8 photos, which of course had to be processed and mailed to them. Then my brother remembered he had his Polaroid in the car. You can't imagine the smiles on their faces as he took 2 or 3 Polaroids and gave to them.

[Glen]

Oh, wow. What a gift - for all of you!

[Merlin Marquardt]

Great photo.