By Scott Shephard

I’m not sure if this photo speaks for itself and if it does, whether it says anything to you as the viewer. When I look at the photo, I think of the technical and logistical process that went in to getting the photo. I would coach the subjects well before the big W was lit on fire, we would gather when the flames were strong, and, interestingly, the rest of the crowd would give way to our brief moment. I had a high quality camera but I figured I had no more than one shot to get exactly what I wanted. In this case, everything worked.

Beyond the process though, I wonder about the people pictured, who are now 30 years old or so. What do they remember about this time in theirs lives? Where are they now? They seem very happy in this photo. I certainly didn’t have to coach this. Are they happy now? I can only hope that life has been good to them all.

Canon 5D 1/160 sec f/5.6 ISO 1000