Washington D.C.

10 July 2011

A hard shot

After spending time in Ottawa, where it turned out to be Canada Day, and taking photos, Eveline and I traveled by train to Niagara Falls. One of the natural wonders I’ve wanted to see and photograph since I was a kid. It’s on the way to Washington so we could have a short stop over to experience this gigantic waterfall. Unbelievable!

After Niagara we traveled on to Washington. The capital of what is still the most powerful country in the world. I knew it was going to be hard to take a photo of this place, one that would do it justice. That’s hard in all countries. But The States are so damned complicated in basically everything! There are so many things I love about this ambitious and limitless country. But there are also so many things I dislike. So if I can’t figure out for myself what my opinion is about this country, how can I make a good photo?

I decided that I wanted to show who the ‘regular’ Americans are. But ultimately the same ones that are responsible for their country’s choices too. I couldn’t really find a good place as far as composition goes. Very narrow streets in a huge square maze. So I ended up in a park where all these different Americans where having their lunch in the sun. Quiet, peaceful. It could be anywhere in the western world. But in reality it is in the country that’s fighting two wars abroad.

Sometimes a picture does not paint a thousand words. Sometimes you really need to add words to accompany photos. To make it clear what you want to say with it. I don’t think I was successful. I think I can do a better job. So I will return to this complex, beautiful and crazy country.