Age 17

The photographs were taken beginning in the spring of 1962, when I first purchased a Nikon F, and a single 58mm, f1.4 lens. What was I doing in Paris at 20? I was in the military, in an assignment without a real need for my speciality. Given the choice of the supply room, or photographer... I took the latter. I was 'trained' to take pictures of visiting groups to S.H.A.P.E. Headquarters. Becoming somewhat proficient with a Speed Graphic (4x5), my instruction progressed to using the printing darkroom, and later, the negative darkroom. My instructors were always helpful in commenting on my personal shots, as well as suggesting methods of improvement. "Go shoot some moving water, and make me believe it is moving." (OK! YOU try it!) An opening arose for a 'Standby Security Photographer', that is one who would always be ready to go with either M.P.s, N.A.T.O. Security, or Les Gendarmes to the scene of an 'incident'. Photographing, negative developing, and proof and enlargement printing were required. As the military lab did not want to lose any of their regular personnel, I got the nod. The hours were irregular, nights ... all night...! If not needed, I could catch some sleep, so most days I got to wander the city in the daytime. With that much time and energy, I think I found a few good shots, and this painting.