Ron and Judy Plett - How to get traction.

Ron and Judy Plett on a pair of their John Deere tractors.

One of my favourite type of photographs to do is something I call a character shot.  It should look good, but that is not the true objective.  A character shot is something that speaks more about who someone is rather than what they look like or what they happen to be doing at a particular moment.  It speaks to the viewer about what it is that "drives" them or gives them some sense of purpose in life.  If possible, there should also be some metaphorical association present.  That's one of the things that makes them fun; who is this person and how does this photo relate to their character.

The above photograph was taken two and a half years ago at Ron and Judy Plett's farm in Alberta near the Saskatchewan border.  They are sitting on a pair of antique but fully restored and functional John Deere tractors.  Anyone who has ever been around a farm knows you need some significant machinery to tackle some of the course jobs which come with farming.  Although a utility vehicle like a Gator or an ATV comes in handy, they usually don't have the muscle to take care of the larger tasks.  An so, most opt for a tractor.

If you are going to get a tractor, why not get something that you are excited about?  Although there are many models and sizes available, you can also think old school.  It is not so different from someone who needs a car and ends up getting a 1957 Chevy or maybe a 1956 Ford F-100 truck.  They may not have all the bells and whistles of modern machines, but are loaded with character and style.  Furthermore John Deere has played a major role in farming the prairies over the last century; you can see the skeletons of many machines across the province whose rusted remains reminds us of times past.  And so, for Ron and Judy, the dice were cast.

To really understand the picture you have to realize that I photographed it from another John Deere tractor; a larger one which has even more horsepower and capacity than the two in the picture.  That is what has given me the extra height so I could capture the image the way I wanted it.  And so here I was, in a herd of tractors, with their masters at their controls, shooting this wonderful couple.  So, what is it about the photo that makes it a character shot?

Ron, Judy, and their tractors are synonymous with the life they have chosen.  They are content with simple things but insist that they work well.  Whatever they do has their complete attention, but they also know how to enjoy what there is around them.  They are devoted people, not only to the John Deere brand name but to their friends and family.  Sitting on top of the farm machines you get a sense that they are in control and have a plan for the future.  They also both have serious traction; both the tractors and those at the steering wheels.  Ron and Judy have been a significant force in the lives of others, contributing in a meaningful and productive way.  Not only do they farm the land, they have been involved in farming people, the church, and businesses they have been associated with.  And all have benefited greatly from their involvement.

How do you get traction in life?  Be involved, love what is around you, and make a difference.  You don't need a tractor to do it, but it certainly doesn't hurt.