I wanted to do something a little bit different for the Fourth of July weekend this year. Knowing there wouldn't be any fireworks (probably anywhere), but also wanting to Do Something, I scheduled some time and brought two of my boys down to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
What is really striking about a place such as Colonial Williamsburg, as well as a lot of other "living history" museums, is that despite their attempt at portraying life as it was at a specific time, they end up romanticizing it to the point that they give an entirely different portrayal entirely. By merely walking around the reproduction areas, one would need to be forgiven for thinking that life in 1770's Virginia was full of great, beautifully tailored-clothing, immaculate housing, clean streets, and pleasantry everywhere.
Of course, the entire historical area is also filled with visitors and tourists (such as myself) taking pictures of the exact same things. I wanted something different. Something unique. And I really would have liked to have my boys participate.
They declined.
Ultimately I did find a way to get some pictures with something more real and reflective of day-to-day life than immaculately dressed men and women going about their day, and I found a willing model as well: fire-hydrants and their close cousin, manhole covers.
I actually really enjoy photographing fire hydrants, and this isn't the first time I've done it. They each have their own unique character, colour, and I enjoy looking at the differences in them from different locations and times.
On top of that, they make great models. They are always where the action is, and are always happy to strike a pose. Take this green chap, for instance, posing happily for me in front of the Governor's Palace. Do you think one of my children would do that? Oh hell no.
Likewise, one of his bretheren can be seen here taking in old Magazine.
(Incidentally, the magazine is where gunpowder for the city was stored. Why? Because it was highly explosive. Virginia entered the Revolutionary War after King George ordered his marines to confiscate the gunpowder in the local magazine's, effectively removing the city's ability to defend themselves. This is what led the the Second Amendment; not some ideal for every yahoo in every village and town to own the biggest gun they can to shoot things up.)
Honestly, fire hydrants are awesome models. They can always strike a pose, and never get tired doing so.
Remember, for however good a town looks, there are people and things doing the dirty work to make it happen. These manhole covers never complain. Maybe it's the great location.
Look! A fire hydrant and a manhole cover at the same time! These things are incredible!
Though often overlooked, they usually reside in really interesting locations. I think the patterns that this chap gets to enjoy are pretty neat.
Now it's time to change things up a bit. Here's a barrel. The barrel's are actually trash and recycling bins, so are, in fact, related to the fire hydrants and sewer covers.
And the rest of the gallery, sans verbiage:
(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe
About Me
Amateur photographer. Wannabe author. Game designer. I dabble a little in a lot. General all around problem-solver and creative type.
Founder of Photo 52 weekly photography competition.
Expert generalist. Jack of all Trades.
Dad.
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