On My Own, But Never 'Alone'

The other day I watched the descent of the sun against a blue sky as it made its way to the horizon.  Always a vigilant photographer, I noticed a collection of large cumulus clouds  and concluded there might be some images nearby worth capturing.  I decided to go to a popular park we call ‘The Ranche’.

About ten minutes later I was out on the trail, camera by my side.  As I climbed a hill that I thought would give me a good view, my old mind started drifting.  It took me back to the 1960’s when I was alone and walking through the streets and parks of Manchester, England, also with my camera at hand.

The feeling now was similar, I was on my own, but I never felt alone as long as I had my camera with me.  Of course the camera is an inanimate object, but I’ve always found it a comfortable companion, ready to record a scene of beauty or a unique moment.

Coming back to my recent walk at The Ranche, here are some images of that time when again I was on my own, but never felt alone.

Last Light on Big Hill Springs Creek Valley

Along Big Hill Springs Creek in the evening

A cyclist enjoying an evening ride at the Ranche

I have photography records that I made in 1966, when I first arrived in Manchester.  I enjoy looking at those images that take me back to not only the moment of capture, but also much that was going on in my life at the time.  During my first months I met many people at the company where I worked, but nobody whom I could call a ‘friend’.  These times could have been lonely and to some degree they were.  Nevertheless, with camera in hand, I would head out into the streets of greater Manchester on my own, but I never felt alone.  My singular walks and investigations in that foreign environment were never boring as long as I had my camera with me.

Here are some images from those walks back in 1966. (Note: be sure to also click on the expand arrows in the corner to see a larger scale image.)

Along Lloyd Street in the business district of Manchester, England

Used book market at Shudehill, Manchester, England

Lawn Bowling Critics - Stretford, Manchester, England

The Old Packet House on the Bridgewater Canal, Worsley, Manchester, England

Fishing on the Bridgewater Canal, Worsley, Manchester, England