The Story Behind The Image; Barrio Historico In Tucson Arizona

Blue; Barrio Historico, Tucson, Arizona (click to enlarge)
Leica Minilux 35mm camera/ 40mm f/2.4 lens using a Kodak negative film

In 2005, my wife and I were traveling in Arizona and stopped for a few days in the Tucson area. While exploring downtown Tucson, we happened upon one of the old historic districts called Barrio Historico.  The area was obviously old as many of the buildings showed much wear.  Through my observations it was evident that those who lived there did not have much money.  However, looking at things in a different way, the area was full of homes, buildings and people with enormous character.  This small section of Tucson deserved further exploration, however, during this trip we discovered the Barrio Historico on our last morning in the Tucson area and we were actually on our way out of town.  If I ever returned to Tucson, which I did a few years later, I would certainly come back to further explore the neighborhood.

While wandering the streets of Barrio Historico, I spotted this scene.  Immediately, the various blues grabbed my attention.  The old, rusted Checker automobile (used mainly as taxicabs in the United States) was unique as I had not seen one that was not a taxi in years and years. In fact, they are no longer manufactured.  The Checker Automobile Company ceased production in 1982.  As I looked closer I then saw the purple of the doors and the red curtains behind the window and how they colors played off the blues.

Having only my little 35mm Leica Minilux point and shoot camera with me at the time, I went down the street turned around and came back, stopping to photograph through the window of my car.  I had the camera loaded with color negative film that day, but I don't remember exactly which.  I made a couple of exposures and wished I had time to make many more, not only on this street, but all over this wonderful neighborhood.  This image is a scan from one of those frames.

Sadly, when I did return in the late-2000s, gentrification had set in.  Many of the old homes had now been renovated and were priced way out of the reach of those who lived and grew up in this rich-with-character neighborhood.  I knew it wouldn't be long before all of the long time residents would be forced out by the increasing prices, taxes and home sales.

Here are three images from when I returned in 2009.

(click to enlarge)
Nikon D700, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens @ 36mm; 1/2500th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

(click to enlarge)Nikon D700, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens @ 66mm; 1/1000th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

(click to enlarge)
Nikon D700, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens @ 24mm; 1/1000th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

However, the Barrio Historico was a visually rich atmosphere in which to photograph.  I just wish I could have spent more time that first day.  Again, a lesson learned in not putting off photographing when you see something interesting.  It is never the same when you return.  I suspect I could have spent an hour there before continuing our journey, but for whatever reason, we moved on.

The top image has become one of my all time favorite images.  Not sure why. 

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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