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Melons for sale (click to enlarge)
Fuji X-T2, 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 22mm; 1/900th sec. @ f/5.6; ISO 200
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The other day I was out and about, wandering as usual, in and around the countryside. As I drove down one of the state roads about 50 miles from home, I spotted this young man in the parking lot of a gas station selling melons from the back of his pickup truck.
Immediately the scene grabbed me. How could I not notice it? Look at the varieties of color! The brightly painted teal 1966 GMC truck with the multi-colored umbrella. Throw in his electric orange hat and the red sign that says "Recharge and Refresh," adjacent to the fresh fruit and it had all the makings of a wonderful image. This is a cornucopia of colors with an appropriate message. Everything about it just came together nicely. I couldn't pass it by.
About a quarter of a mile up the road, I told myself that I just had to turn back. Even though I would be coming back that same way a bit later, I knew in my heart and from experience, that something would be different, or altogether gone, when I returned. Something like this never stays the same as when you first see it as a potential image. I turned around and drove back and into the parking lot. I got out of my vehicle, walked over and I asked the young man if I could take his photograph. He smiled and agreed. I handed him one of my business cards for reference. I made two exposures and then we talked.
Turns out that, after spending about 15 minutes talking with him, he used to live within a mile of where I now live. His father works for the same company as my son. Also, he told me the GMC pickup truck is rare. He said this truck is one of only a few that was built with a General Motors 351 cubic inch engine that year. The truck is all original except for a few mechanical replacement parts. Also, it has been repainted, but with the factory color. That truck sure screams TEAL!
Oh! By the way, I did buy a watermelon. And...it was very tasty!
Lesson learned: When you see something striking, seize the opportunity. Don't pass it by and expect it to be there later. It almost never is. Also, not only did I get to make a satisfying image, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with a fine young man, polite and articulate, with a great smile in whom I sure his family holds a lot of pride. I thank him for agreeing to allow me to make his photograph and wish him well.
I love this image...
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Great image, Dennis, and who knew John Deere made orange ball caps! Cool truck, 51 years old and hanging in there. I'd not heard of the 351 cubic inch GMC engine, though Chevy's 350 was a good motor.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the watermelon and thanks for posting!
Mike, thanks for the kind words. I, too, thought a 351 was a Ford Windsor or Cleveland engine from the 60s, but I looked it up and GM made 351's as well. Go figure!
DeleteThat was a great story Dennis, and so true that once you pass by an opportunity, it's usually gone. I think the best part of the story was your conversation with the young man. Pride of his family indeed, and the melon was a great bonus. Thanks. :-)
ReplyDelete