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Annie Tompkins |
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The ultimate photographic accessory. Annie, the ultimate photographic accessory
I have been married to Brian for over thirty years and in that time
have learned more than I ever wanted to about photography, both film
and digital. Of the two I prefer digital – it means I now have a spare
bedroom instead of a darkroom. I have carried spare film and spare
lenses in my handbag. I’ve been used as an extra tripod in Wells
Cathedral. I have driven hundreds of miles and screeched to a halt on
hearing the immortal words “Stop! NOW!!!” as a potential masterpiece
was spotted. I’ve pitched a tent in a howling gale, halfway up a Welsh
mountain while the artist was otherwise engaged photographing the
storm. I have been to places I would never have thought of, such as
an-anti Shah of Iran demonstration that turned violent, at the most
peculiar times – the Cutty Sark by moonlight – in February??? I have
lived through Brian’s “Church Period”, his “Street Photographer
Period”, his “Landscape Period” and many, many more. I’ve been to
hundreds of photographic exhibitions and listened to hours of
photographic chat……… and survived to tell the tale. But, Brian has
always been so very considerate and thankful for my help. In fact one
Christmas he presented me with a shiny new 90mm Elmarit, when I pointed
out that I didn’t even have a camera it was explained to me that he
thought it would be lighter than the 90mm Summicron he always insisted
I carry in my handbag. For years we spent nearly every Sunday in
London, the morning touring camera shop windows, the afternoons at some
riot or demonstration, if there was nothing like that happening then a
few hours at Speakers Corner and a hot dog. Brian has always known how
to treat a girl. Another role is ‘the sounding board’, “I wonder if the
xyz are any good” would only mean he wanted one, so it would be off to
the shops after a few days agonising over the choice. However, he was
good to me; he always let me sign the cheques. In fact in one Leica
Emporium who used to let you make out post dated cheques we had our own
filing cabinet out in the back office.
One thing’s for sure – it certainly isn’t boring! I’ll never be a
photographer, although I do specialise in taking pictures of Brian
taking pictures. But being an “accessory” has enriched my life
immeasurably. I’ve learned to see, to really look at a scene – if only
to try and understand why on earth Brian was taking a picture. I’ve
been all over the place and although sometimes frightened I’ve rarely
been bored. I’ve got used to being used as a lens test, although I’m
not sure that the best portrait lens is necessarily the one that
reproduces the lines on my face with stunning sharpness. And I’ve
learned to have a book in my handbag, in case we have to wait for the
light, or the tide to go out.!
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A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.
Brian and a dog called Wesson
Annie who left us on the 19th December 2007. RIP
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