I take photographs as creative expression, but not every frame has to have serious intention. I think I've made it clear that for me it is all about observation.
A few years ago I spent the summer in Boulder, it was hot as hell, temps in the 90s all summer. To escape the heat I visited other towns and my favorite was Nederland, a mountain town under 30 minutes from Boulder where it was 10 to 15 degrees cooler.
I was driving around and noticed the 1952 Buick and saw this gentleman, James Yzquierdo, doing yard work. As I often do, especially when traveling, I stopped to talk to him, ask him about his car and if he intended to restore it. If I recall, it was his Dad's car. He said the cost to restore it was more than it was worth and this would be its resting place. I walked around the car, saw the flowers playing off the back of the car's big chrome bumper and faded paint. I do love this shot and have it hanging in my home. Afterwards, I asked James if I could take his portrait and he agreed - with a smile. There is much I love about this photograph. I didn't direct him, other than asking him to lean against the hood, his gesture and expression is genuine. The "easter eggs" in the photo are the crumpled license plate, the collection bags on the hood, his work gloves opposite him and the shovel, with red handle no less, leaning against the old Buick. Seriously, what more could I ask for?