Thursday, January 26, 2017

Visiting the Audiologist

About eight years ago I realized that if I wanted to progress with my photography I would have to learn to photograph people. So as not to miss a good shot I began to take my camera, loaded with black and white film, with me nearly all the time.

An opportunity  presented itself when I had an appointment at the audiology clinic in May 2010 to check my hearing. I asked the personnel of the clinic, all African-American women, if I could take their pictures; they were delighted. There was the receptionist, the manager, a technician and three audiologists. I took my time and they didn’t mind if I had to take them in several poses. I had prints made and gave one to each subject.

My next appointment at the audiology clinic took place three days ago when I noticed that my hearing had worsened in the six years since my last visit. I was in the waiting room talking with Lucy, when from a side room I heard my name called. It was the technician from six years ago! She ran over to me, kissed me and hugged me. She proudly told me she was no longer a “techie” but was a coordinator, whatever that was. Then she jumped up and ran back to her office. She returned, waving the print of our photo-graphic encounter of SIX years earlier. I examined the print; I could have done better but I don’t think I could have made the subject any happier.

You can see the photo in our Flickr collection here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45821325@N00/4390793531/.