The Importance of Photography ~ "Peter's Pride"

Back in Kodachrome days, sometime in April of 1983, I visited my long-time friend and fellow photographer, Percy Cottreau in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. On one of our excursions into the countryside, we noticed these two huge Oxen in front of this house.

Of course we stopped to photograph these interesting beasts with their brass-tipped horns and cowbells. Within a few seconds, this gentleman came out of the house and walked towards us. I was expecting him to ask us to leave the Oxen alone and 'be off', but like most Maritimers, he greeted us warmly and asked us if we'd like him to bring the oxen closer - Duh!!

I got the gentleman's name off the mailbox, Mr. Peter Surrette. As Peter stepped aside and crouched down to get out of our way to photograph the Oxen, I quickly changed to my wide angle lens and captured this image of Peter watching these fine animals. After a few more shots, we went on our way.

It was probably a month later that I was looking through the slides of this trip (of course they had to be sent out for developing) and when I saw this I thought I'd thank Mr. Surrette for his kindness by sending him a small print of the image. Everyone there had the same address... RR #something, Yarmouth, NS and I had his name, so I mailed him a 5x7, hoping it would actually reach him.

I can't remember exactly how long it took, but I believe it was several months later that I received a letter (long before email) in the mail. I was shocked and brought to tears by what I read.

The letter was from Peter's son. I can't find the letter now (must've moved several times since then and misplaced it), but I'll never forget what it said.

First off, was a heart-felt apology for the delay in responding. Apparently, shortly after this photograph was made, Mr. Surrette had to make a visit to the hospital for something considered quite minor. Complications followed and he passed away quite unexpectedly.

This was shocking enough, but the letter further went on to say that the family received my letter and photograph several weeks after Mr. Surrette had passed and were in total disbelief when they opened it. Through their tears, they were looking at, quite possibly, the only photograph every taken of him ( I believe he was in his 60s). Although you can't clearly see his face, the essence of the letter indicated that this one photograph summed up Mr. Surrette's entire life. These Oxen were his pride and joy, raised from birth and lovingly cared for over many years. I can't remember the wording exactly, but that was about the point I lost it. They thanked me profusely for sending it to them and it was certainly treasured.

I honestly believe that this 'event' was one of the major influences for me becoming a professional photographer. Even to me, at the time, it was simply a 'snap-shot', but the impact of that one single image on the Surrette family changed my view on photography forever.

Thank you for reading this.

Mike Guilbault