Man with a tin bath
My friend Ann lives in Woodlands, on the outskirts of Lusaka. From the middle of town, it’s a good hour’s walk along Independence Avenue. Laid out by the colonial government, with two lanes for traffic each way, the road was originally called Ridgeway. Its best feature is the wide central reservation. Mature Flamboyant trees provide shade and the pavement in the middle feels safe for walking.
Heading towards Woodlands one recent Sunday, I’d gone out without a camera. I was playing the photographer’s version of Russian roulette. Often I draw a blank, but this time I cursed myself. Ahead of me, a young man had emerged from a side road, carrying a tin bath on his back.
Before moving to Zambia I’d always shot on film, so for me a phone camera isn’t a natural choice. In my frustration, I forgot that I had one in my pocket. But God or fate was kind that day. The man and I were heading the same way and he was still in front of me when I came to my senses.
I had time to take two pictures with my phone, before we went our separate ways. At only 4 megabytes each, the files are small, but they’re much better than nothing. I’m going to have one of the pictures printed and framed, as a reminder that the best camera is the one that you’ve got with you.
What do you think about mobile phone photography? Have you been converted or do you think it will always be second best?
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Great pic.
Thanks – it’s already taken on a life of its own. ‘Black and White Photography’ in the UK have picked it for an article on smartphone photos in March.
I love my iPhone camera, but I always feel a bit guilty using digital when I really prefer film.
the problem is, I’ve rolls of film to develop along with some sheet film and I’ve not gotten around to it. in the summer I spend my extra time in the yard weeding and chomping. and now that it’s too chilly to work outside it’s also too chilly in my utility room dark room.
so….I guess phone photography isn’t second best, but it’s not my preferred way of shooting.
a conundrum.
I like your photo a lot, richard.
~~susan
In Zambia, Susan, cold darkrooms aren’t the problem – it’s the hassle of obtaining chemicals. I don’t think we need to feel guilty about using digital.
I like a viewfinder on my camera, so I’ve always used phone cameras as a last resort. But I must admit that I was pleased with ‘Tin bath man’. It was so nearly the photo that got away.