The funeral of four year old Mitzi Steady at Bath Abbey, England. PHOTO:Paul Gillis / paulgillisphoto.com It started with a phone call from a national picture agency asking me to cover a fatal road traffic accident in Bath, England. Details were; that a 32 ton tipper truck had crashed and their were multiple cassualties on the scene.
I have, over my carreer, covered many sad stories and never really let the details consume my emotions, that is, not until this recent and tragic accident in Bath.
I photographed the scene on a very cold Tuesday evening knowing four people had lost their lives, including a four year old girl. This in itself was emotional enough, however, selfish as it may be, I could not stop thinking of my own family, reflecting on our daughter, who is the same age. How would I feel if this happened to us?... Soon, without any warning, my emotions began to overcome me, probably the first time I have experienced such feelings while on the job. Over 20 plus years, I considered myself seasoned to situations like this. I was wrong.
I covered the funeral a few days ago at Bath Abbey, and decided to get a window spot three floors above the Abbey Courtyard. Part of me wanted to be on the ground, but I nevertheless decided to use a long lens at a discreet distance, almost not to be there. The whole time in my quiet third floor vantage, I tried to think how the family of Mitzi was feeling. I could not. I finished with one Emotional image as the family is saying goodbye to their daughter. May Mitzi be remembered and for her to rest in peace.
I have, over my carreer, covered many sad stories and never really let the details consume my emotions, that is, not until this recent and tragic accident in Bath.
I photographed the scene on a very cold Tuesday evening knowing four people had lost their lives, including a four year old girl. This in itself was emotional enough, however, selfish as it may be, I could not stop thinking of my own family, reflecting on our daughter, who is the same age. How would I feel if this happened to us?... Soon, without any warning, my emotions began to overcome me, probably the first time I have experienced such feelings while on the job. Over 20 plus years, I considered myself seasoned to situations like this. I was wrong.
I covered the funeral a few days ago at Bath Abbey, and decided to get a window spot three floors above the Abbey Courtyard. Part of me wanted to be on the ground, but I nevertheless decided to use a long lens at a discreet distance, almost not to be there. The whole time in my quiet third floor vantage, I tried to think how the family of Mitzi was feeling. I could not. I finished with one Emotional image as the family is saying goodbye to their daughter. May Mitzi be remembered and for her to rest in peace.
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