I recently had the opportunity to find out what the inside of a clock tower looks like. I followed Kathy, a history resource specialist, up a few steps to the balcony of a historic courtroom. She unlocked a door and we entered.
Another staircase met us; these more daunting than the ones we just navigated. A small bead of perspiration began forming on my forehead as I had my 4 x 5 camera case in one hand; another camera bag filled with a DSLR, lenses, film holders, light meter, and digital recorder over my shoulder; and my tripod in my other hand. It would require two trips up the narrow, steep stairs.
Kathy went first to open a hatch at the top of the stairs. "Come on up," she said.
I took my shoulder bag and tripod up, first. Not too bad. I went back down and grabbed my 4 x 5 case.
Two steps back up and I thought maybe using the 4 x 5 wasn't such a good idea, after all. The sweat began rolling a little more profusely. I made to the top, set the 4 x 5 case down and expected to step inside the clock tower.
What I found, instead, was another set of stairs, more steep and narrow. Ugh!
Kathy led the way and made it to the top. I started up and about half-way, my head met a steel beam. I didn't utter a sound or the words that I wanted to scream.
"Oh no! I forgot to warn you about that," Kathy said.
With more effort and sweat, I made to the top step and set my case
and tripod down. Triumph! Until I realized my 4 x 5 case still remained below.
I went back down the steps. I picked up the 4 x 5 case and looked up the staircase. I hesitated as the salt sting of sweat now reached my eyes. I took one step at a time and finally had everything I needed at the top.
I climbed off the stairs, stood up and looked around. It was a magnificent space. Four giant clock faces, gears, wooden beams and pulleys.
It was bright and provided nice light for making photographs. And hot. We couldn't spend a lot of time up here before the heat would be unbearable. So, I quickly got to work making some preliminary images, carefully maneuvering around the room.
Finally, it was time to set up the 4 x 5. I placed it carefully on the tripod, found an appropriate composition to photograph Kathy, took a light meter reading and exposed 4 sheets of film.
Finished, I packed up everything and made it back down without incident.
Was it worth it? Definitely ! Sure, I could have used a digital camera, but it was more about the experience. My curiosity led me to eagerly accept the opportunity to see the inside of a historic clock tower. I was pleased with the resulting image. Everything starts with curiosity.
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