Sam Abell is a photographer who I have admired for a long time. The passion he brings to assignments and stories is rare in a world bent on speed and media lifespans measure in hours or days. Listening to him talk about making photographs and spending more than a year to make one photograph had me wondering if I had the patience or commitment to pursue anything that way.
At the end of the video he reveals the photo and a story that happens afterwards. I won’t reveal the ending but as he describes the man in the plane thumbing through the magazine I know that guy. Me.
I need to slow down.
D. Brent Miller says
Cool video. Don’t forget to slow down, Steve.
Brent
Jack Riepe says
Dear Steve:
Wouldn’t it be great to have control over your life’s circumstances where you could take a year and a half to complete one project, without worrying how to pay the bills?
Sometimes slowing down is a relative concept, first requiring an individual to move at the speed of light to best enjoy the final sensation.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads
Angelo says
I think that’s great Steve… I mean meeting another artist who you’ve admired. Have you considered handing out S.I.T.S. Biz cards for yourself. Great ice breaker.
By the way, slow down sounds like great advice, just as long as that bull doesn’t start thinking fast chase, for giggles.
I love how the live bull appeared alive and as a ghost at the same time, as a result of lighting.
Charlie6 says
Great philosophy on the art of taking meaningful pictures….what I got from it is that you really need to know what you want….
As to patience, I’ve none….just ask my wife.
dom
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Poppawheelie says
Wow!!! What an artist (Sam Abell), and what a wonderful chance encounter you must have had with him. My wife occasionally has work at Nat’l Geo, so I get to go.
Ross Attix says
Hi Steve,
This is a great video-thanks for sharing it.
I took a photo workshop in Camden, Maine about 35 years ago, given by Sam Abell and William Allard.
Abell showed a photo, called Round Pond, Allagash River, Maine 1975, (used as the cover photo on his book Stay This Moment) and the sense of peacefulness conveyed was overwhelming. He has’t lost anything in the meantime, and from the video it seems he is still working on themes of patience and appreciating moments in time.
Ross
bobskoot says
Steve:
I too am learning to slow down. I was actually proud of myself this morning when I just stayed within my own lane and not pass anyone, even though I was very tempted.
I can’t imagine that you think of yourself as being fast, being a Vespa rider which has the perception of being slow.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
David Masse says
Thank you Steve. Who would think that the simple desire to ride a scooter to work could lead me to so many fascinating blogs, so many wonderful people, so much genuine adventure, so many sights, an ultimately so many incredible insights into what it means to live, and to enjoy life. You make a difference in my life. Please don’t stop.
irondad says
An insightful and meaningful video. Though I have to admit I had to resist the urge to fast forward.
I am disillusioned to find I am nowhere near ready for National Geographic.
Have to agree with Bobskoot. Don’t think of you as one who rushes through life. Perhaps your association with some of us is having a bad influence on you?
irondad says
P.S. As to your airplane experience:
Sam had a particular interest in that he wanted you to savor his work. As it surely deserved.
Globally, it’s always a toss-up for me. Do I take time to really immerse myself in a work, or do I take in the essense of it and move on?
In other words, a few things in great depth or more in less depth? Which enriches us the most?
Steve Williams says
D. Brent Miller: I used to joke that I had three speeds — slow, slower and stop. Experience has shown that isn’t true and I am more closely aligned with rush, panic and craziness. At least in terms of my head and work.
So slowing down remains a challenge to be met.
Steve Williams says
Mr. Riepe: I like to think it would be great to have the control you elude to but maybe it wouldn’t. I get restless awful fast.
As far as the second part of your comment goes it sounds as if you are trying to rationalize your reckless disregard of posted speed limits. I have to admit that it would be pretty cool to listen to you try and convince a judge of the merits of speed as a relative concept.
Steve Williams says
Angelo: After reading your comment and those of others I realize I have misled people into thinking I actually met Mr. Abell. When I referred to the guy in the seat on the plane as me I meant that metaphorically — I’m another page turner rushing through the pages.
I do have Scooter in the Sticks business cards that I hand out to people when they ask about the Vespa or riding. Just a reference to the URL that they can visit.
Slowing down is a really difficult goal to achieve. I’ve been at it a long time with minimal success. But I am moving in the right direction.
Thanks for your comments here. I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Steve Williams says
Charlie6: Knowing what you want is always a good place to start though not the only one. Abell has some amazing work and I always attributed his success to a keen eye. Now I know there is more to it.
I thought you were patient when I met you. Were you just on your best behavior?
Steve Williams says
Poppawheelie: See the comment I made to Angelo and my failure as a writer to not make clear the metaphorical nature of my post.
Sadly, I did not meet Abell. He was here on campus once I think but I missed him.
Steve Williams says
Ross Attix: I’ve attended a number of workshops in Rockport, Maine, and during the time that Abell and Alard were still teaching, but each visit had me in film production areas.
I think Abell and Alard are outstanding photographers in part because of their focus on those quiet moments.
Thanks for sharing your experience and insights. When are you going back to Maine for more??
Steve Williams says
bobskoot: I generally do a good job slowly down on the Vespa. I have great patience and acceptance and allow life to unfold at its own pace. But transitioning that skill to the rest of my life remains difficult.
To the casual viewer I seem relaxed and calm. But they can’t see the storm in my head…
Steve Williams says
David Masse: The riding and blogging community is strong and offers a lot of support. Like you I am continually pleased with what I learn and garner from it.
Thanks for your kind words of support. It’s always good to hear when people appreciate things.
Steve Williams says
irondad: First, it wasn’t me on the plane. That was a metaphoric reference to me –I’m like the page turning guy. It would have been great to meet Sam Abell though.
I don’t often physically rush through life, but I am often in a mental rush. And that is just as bad, perhaps worse, and I struggle to tame it. Riding a scooter does help but I often resist applying the lessons learned on the road to the rest of my life.
In terms of immersion, especially in photography, I think it is different for everyone. It’s possible to see in great depth in an instant just as it is to see nothing after weeks of contemplation. I guess the only thing a person can do is be honest about what they are doing.
Last, you fast riding, hardcore riders are not a bad influence. Quite the contrary — I live those activities vicariously through your writings and stories.
Charlie6 says
Steve, I meant it when I said you were in charge of the timetable when we rode together….no forced “good manners, company is here behavior” that day. I truly enjoyed the riding.
Next time you’re in Denver, I should have the V-Strom rig sorted out…..
dom
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Steve Williams says
Charlie6: You’re always the gentleman. I look forward to another ride with you should I find myself in Denver.