Tosin’s Images & Anecdotes (TIAA) is my self-assigned photography challenge of 2022. The immediate objective is to select one image from my inventory (a cityscape, landscape, portrait, oddity, etc.) each week and write something about it. This “something” could be the story behind the photo, a triggered memory in relation to the photo, or simply a reaction or reflection based on the subject matter featured. The long-term objective is to encourage myself to add more content to “La Vue Atypique”, which celebrates its first decade in publication this year.
What can I say about the photograph above?
I have several words to say, but I’m going to try something different for this week’s entry. As it turns out, instead of sharing the whole story behind this photograph, I thought I would attempt more of a photo essay, using additional photographs to narrate.
In the summer of 2021, I was fortunate to be hired — during the coronavirus pandemic — by the Friends of Waterfront Seattle, an organization largely responsible for revitalizing the waterfront of the Emerald City by drawing visitors and residents alike to multiple activities and attractions. Since 2013, the waterfront has undergone a long-term, multi-year facelift that has literally changed the appearance of downtown Seattle alongside Elliott Bay — a major renovation that is expected to continue for the next four to five years.
My client essentially tasked me with one principal objective — capture as many moments of people interacting and enjoying the activities provided at Pier 62 of the waterfront. Since this request fell under my event photography services, I was very happy to oblige.
For this entry, the photographs feature a recurring event at the pier called “Downtown Summer Sounds”. During this event, different local bands and singers would perform on a small stage constructed at the edge of the pier right in front of the bay. The music, as I observed, always drew a crowd of people who would be walking along the waterfront, so the turnout was always massive.
During the final weekend of July 2021, a particular band (whose name I forget, unfortunately) was playing and. . .well. . .here’s the (fictional) story I would like to recount as I captured the unfolding moments.
He literally got up from his seat in the audience, strutted to the space in front of the stage, and started moving to the jazzy groove.
and believes Wilbur has issued a brazen challenge to the audience. She steps into the scene steadfastly.
Others from the audience have also attempted to take on Wilbur.
while Wilbur’s Rhythm Syndicate contemplates how to upstage her.
One member of Wilbur’s Rhythm Syndicate appears to agree and resigns in admitted defeat.
Wilbur, nevertheless, remains resolute in his groove.
“I can stand it as long as you can. Bring it, gramps!” Miss Genevieve quips in response.
The band has become progressively jazzier, unexpectedly groovier, and decisively funkier.
37 articles down for the TIAA challenge. 15 remain!
What a fun way to share your photos with a fictional story as accompaniment. Well done! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you! Photo essays can be fun (especially if they’re telling a fictional story).