Steve at Tidal Basin

Usually I like photographs that act as documentation, that invite you to stand in the shoes of the photographer. But sometimes I like to challenge myself to create a photo that lies a bit, that invokes a feeling that is entirely removed from the situation in which it was taken. This is one of those photos. It looks serene and isolated, like I captured a moment when Steve was alone with his thoughts.

In reality, the Tidal Basin was crowded with tourists laughing, pushing and taking photos. I framed this shot so that the people on either side of Steve were just out of range, and so that the highway that sits atop those bars in the water was not visible. The only reason there is a spot next to him is that I vacated it seconds before. And yet, when I look at him sitting there all I can think of is how peaceful it looks.