WAITING AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE

8:45 a.m., 6 May 2010

At the doctor's office this morning, this lady was waiting, as was I. I asked if I could photograph her -- I like the way her light blue/cyan dress dominated and highlighted the drab waiting room and its furnishings. She said, yes, but do you know why I'm dressed like this? It's St Mary's week, she said, and then showed me her knotted belt. Not being a Catholic, I knew nothing of the tradition. I posted the image to Facebook, and a woman photographer I know commented that she is always shy about such situations and would probably not have asked for permission, nor made the image. When I asked for her permission, the subject asked why? I told her I was a photo teacher and that I try and practice what I tell my students -- carry your camera with you at all times. "Good pictures come when opportunity meets with preparation." She then reached in her purse and pulled out her P/S Canon -- "I never go anywhere without it." She said she was from Damascus, Syria, and even though she only lacked a few hours of study to finish her degree in electrical engineering, she spends her time as a volunteer at the public Library in Worcester. I offered to send her a copy, but she said she knew what she looked like. We both laughed at that, and before I could insist, the physicians assistant came to get me. I'll drop a print of her off at the library next week.