I took my first photograph sometime in 1958 in Austin, Texas when I was a boarder at a Roman Catholic school, St. Edward’s High School. I had purchased my first camera an East German SLR, a Pentacon-F.
I have been pressing the shutter of many a camera since that year to this day.
Because I worked as a free-lancer for many magazines and newspapers in Vancouver, Canada and around the world, by now I know a good photograph when I see one.
Our two daughters were young, and with Rosemary, we boarded the Royal Hudson steam train. I had attempted to get Rosemary interested in photography so I had purchased her a Pentax ME. In retrospect is should have barked.
As we walk on the train aisle our two daughters had sat down. Rosemary was always careful to dress them well knowing that I would probably photograph them.
I do no remember why it was that I had not brought my camera. I saw Hilary and Ale as you see here. I told Rosemary, “Lend me your camera.”
This photograph framed is on the left of my bed. I see it when I get up and when I get in bed. I would use all that cliché word – it is a signature shot.
I have taken many in my years in Vancouver since 1975. But there is something about this one that grabs. One of the reasons is because of the involvement of Rosemary. She is gone as is that Royal Hudson. Alexandra is now 56 and Hilary is going to be 53 this 14th.
Time has passed but it has not diluted the impression that the photograph makes in me every time I look at it.
Here I have scanned a print with a T-shirt that I had made at London Drugs.
