I was walking the streets of Zurich, a place I had never been before an annual report assignment brought me there. Staying an extra day on my own dime, I was hoping to capture some images that would reflect the essence of the city. Or at least something that would be emblematic of these fabled environs.
This was back in the days of film, and I had my trusty Kodachrome at the ready. But I began to despair of even taking the camera out of the bag, as everything was so bleak and grey.
But then, as I came along the walkway along the River Limmat, I spied one of the iconic bridges, cloaked in shades of grey. and black. Against the fog shrouded white sky. Black and white! Of course! Out came a roll of black and white film that I had prudently added to my kit before leaving home.
I framed the bridge in the viewfinder, and moved to my right so the two lampposts would have some space between them, and balance the base and arch of the bridge. And I watched and waited, exposing frames as different pedestrians came and went across the span.
But then, there he was. Confidently striding towards his destination. head held high, arms pumping as he reached the perfect spot in the composition. I hit the shutter. Two exposures, that was all I got of him out of the 36 on the roll that I shot of this scene. This was the first.
And the best.
I was excited. And I began to “see” in black and white. Off I went, to see what more I could find in the shades of grey.
And black.
And white.
