Little coffee shop on the corner of Main Street in Camden ~ Boynton-McKay. I first was drawn to this coffee shop a couple of years back. My early morning walkabouts in town with a cup of coffee and a camera. I noticed an older gentleman getting out of her car and walking into this local coffee shop.
I photographed him and several others as they started their morning with a "cup of joe"
But it was the photograph of the older gentleman that I chose to share within my workshop class later that day. I remember my instructor giving me feedback on that photo. His comments were thoughtful and insightful ~ at the end he instructed me to be "careful" with my street photography. I noted what he was saying and keep it with me every time I go shooting.
During these weeks I stay in Maine I rise early - head into town for a cup of coffee - and walk around observing. I decided to have my "cup of joe" in this coffee shop after watching all the flurry of activity the day before. As I sat patrons came in and out as they started their day in this cheery space. Wasn't I just tickled to see the older gentleman from the day before come in - once again - for his morning coffee. I instantly felt a connection through the photograph that I had made the day before in a nice simple way. No I don't know this man but I felt something special and he pulled me in to this particular shop.
Now, two years later, I'm back in the same coffee shop in the dead of winter. A bitterly, cold January morning. I was sitting in a booth which allowed me to see the doorway out onto the street. I can't even begin to describe that spark of joy that I felt inside when I saw the same older gentleman come inside for his morning "cup of joe". Instantly I knew why I had felt such a special kinship to the first photograph I had made of him. This coffee shop is part of his daily life. I know nothing more about him than that and I can honestly say that is enough to know I was pulled in by someone very special.
I do believe photography is a gift and on this day I was the recipient. A forever grateful recipient.
enjoy,
k
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