I waited, I waited patiently. The guy fixing the sign wouldn’t get off the ladder. I hoped he would, just for a moment, so I could grab this. I stood in the parking lot for a good 15 minutes and he noticed me, with my camera.

“What are you doing?”

“I want to take a photo of this.”

“Of this? It’s ugly, the sign’s broken.”

“I know! Exactly!”

“So take a photo of it.”

“I like my urban photos to be without people. It adds something to the sense of disconnection.”

He got off the ladder.

“Could have asked 10 minutes ago. I’ll take a smoke break for art.”

Snapped two frames, thanked him, and continued walking.

click to see bigger.

–

You never know how people are going to react when you have your camera. I’ve had people walk away and hide, other people jump in front of me and smile. It’s weird. It’s especially weird since I have what is obviously a professional camera. It’s big and intimidating, and kind of fancy looking since I also use a vertical grip. People assume I’m not taking snapshots to put on Facebook.

The thing is, I never take photos where I shouldn’t and I really, really hate being taken for some kind of paparazzo. I’ve been asked to leave places – places I am totally, legally allowed to be with my camera- and I’ve been told to leave places, too.

It’s nice to encounter people who encourage it.

Except my voice- it’s gone. I’m sure it will come back in a few days, but until then I’m very scratchy and can’t whistle. It’s annoying. For some bloggers I know this would be a BIG DEAL. You all are a chatty bunch. I however, am, uh, not. In fact, I was talking with one of our new volunteers a few days ago and he mentioned that he was actually startled when I started speaking because he had not heard me speak before. A little hyperbole I’m sure, but really – I’m kind of silent.

I just don’t see the need to talk. Maybe it’s because I’m deaf? I find conversation difficult to keep up with and confusing.

The dog, however, can’t seem to wrap her mind around it.