But Actually He’s An Optimist
“These two pictures appear to have absolutely no
relation to each other,” I said, “So why have you put them on the same page of
your album?”
“Because," Harold replied, "I like to challenge perceptive lads like you
to find the connections. Why don’t you have a go at it?”
“All right. In both instances a scene is rendered on paper with an emulsion of
silver halide particles.”
“A good start.”
“The images would appear to be autobiographical, which is to say they have more
relevance to the photographer than to the viewer.”
“A reasonable assumption. Go on.”
“One is color, the other black and white. Color is literal, accessible. Black
and white is considered more artistic, largely because it’s capable of more
nuance, ambiguity, mystery.”
“And?”
“That’s it," I said. "Now it’s your turn.”
“Very well. Graduation is graduation. No mystery here. But what follows?
Careers, engagements, marriages, children, divorces…”
“And dark creatures hiding in the shade of the leaves.”
“Exactly.”
“But it opens you to the accusation that you tend to see the glass half empty.”
Harold nodded. “Yes. But I have a good answer to the charge.”
“Which is?”
“I just describe it as a glass four inches tall with two inches of water in it.
It’s for you to decide if that’s good or bad.”
* * *