China–1998

This photograph almost didn’t happen. I had traveled to China with the specific intention of visiting The Great Wall, but the day before I was scheduled to visit a snowstorm ravaged the region. I was told that, due to the road conditions, the trip wouldn’t be possible.

Determined to stick to my plan, I found a driver who was willing to brave the roads. We passed car after car stuck along the way, until finally our own vehicle ran off the road after being unable to conquer a particularly steep incline.

I had come that far and was determined not to give up. Fortunately, I was able to flag down a passing bus and get a ride the rest of the way.

As it turned out the storm provided the perfect cover for my visit. The Great Wall, which is generally swarming with tourists, was virtually deserted, and was blanketed by freshly fallen snow. I was truly in my glory photographing in such a pristine environment.

Given that there were so few visitors, I was very surprised to find a man selling postcards. With his traditional hat and heavy coat, I immediately saw that he would make a perfect subject for an environmental portrait. After I bought some of his postcards, he was a very willing subject and allowed me to position him for what, I feel, resulted in a classic image of China.