PHOTOGRAPHY
A Happy Little Accident in Amish Country
The sound of horse-drawn carriages is quite soothing
Visiting Amish Country is quite an experience, especially if it’s your first time. When my daughter and I visited last year, we expected to see horse-drawn carriages. Just not that many.
Without knowing it, I booked our vacation stay in the heart of Amish Country. We stayed at a small inn in Intercourse, Penn. It was amazing. I could step out my door and watch horse buggies carrying Amish families or couples up and down the road.
Most Amish prefer not to have their photos taken, so I tried to be polite. I’d try to photograph them from a distance or behind as the carriage passed by. Capturing an image from behind isn’t ideal, but respecting these families’ wishes was important.
While sitting on a bench as the sun set, a carriage driven by a young man was passing by. Without thinking, I raised my camera to get a photo. As I did so, the driver pulled a cover over his head, blocking the view. I didn’t think when I shot the image; taking photos comes naturally to me.
Although he wouldn’t be back, I deleted the image from my camera.
The image above the headline was taken from a distance using a Canon RF 100–400mm lens, with the lens set at its longest point, 400mm. It was far enough away the family probably didn’t even notice me.
Below is the image I made of an Amish Family. Yes, it’s from behind, and I had to rush the shot, but I’m happy with the way the family is framed under the tree’s canopy. To quote Bob Ross, it was a happy little accident.
I took many photos during our four-day weekend. My daughter and I still talk about it our trip. I hope it’s a memory that will stay with her long after I’m gone.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by.
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More stories from Bruce Coulter.
