A peek into an over-60’s travel photography book
Lindsay Walker, 63, and his wife Dalaine, 65, are global humanitarians with a passion to make a difference in impoverished areas in the world. Here Lindsay shares the stories behind his photos.
Photographers all over the world are always seeking that one exceptional shot whether it be for a magazine photo shoot or just the mere satisfaction of putting it in the family photo album. But there comes a time when you have to be very aware of the possible consequence of what will happen if you press the button.
I want to show you three photographs I took each with a story to tell. These were from my previous travels through South America, where I had the most amazing adventures imaginable – riding on roofs of trains with no safety cages, standing on grass reeds in the middle of a deep lake… there is much to tell, but I’ll focus on the stories of these photos.
1. This is of a family taken near El Boliche Ecuador, at a breathless 3,547 metres above sea level. I snapped is as we were waiting for the autoferro to take us on the Devil’s Nose train ride, which is in itself a story to be told.
Every effort was made to do the right thing. Although my Spanish could only be described as totally unconvincing, I thought at least my smile and the flash of coin would have at least done the trick and a nice family portrait would have ensured. Oblivious to the fact that my family found the photo taking offense, the result was however still stunning. But it has always made me weary when taking photos, especially of Indigenous Andean Natives.
2. From a quality point of view this is hardly a great photo. Taken out of a hastily wound down window in a speeding car, this point and shoot camera shot was taken of a subject that is still blissfully unaware that he had been “shot”.
I love the balancing on two chair legs. It raises the question what was the outcome when he woke up: Did he fall off the chair? Does he do this often?
This was taken in the little salt mine town of Zipaquira just outside of Bogota, Colombia.
3. Taken on the open streets of Cusco in Peru, this final photo is full of South American flavour. I thought I did all the right things by asking permission and giving her the gold coin (in her apron) and when she appeared “normal” I clicked the button... only to find she had decided to give me her toothy look! But what the heck, I always love this photograph as it shows how quickly things (and people) can change.
Follow Lindsay and Dalaine’s journey and learn how you can be part of it at Make My Name Count.
Do you have a story to share please get in touch at melody@oversixty.com.au
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