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From February 11-14, I could be found at various roadside locations on Hwy 12 between Lacombe and Stettler, Alberta. I ws there to capture this special series of black & white photos dedicated to truck drivers and the challenges they face in winter. The weather cooperated fully with the theme of the shoot. Temperatures sank to -28C with wind chills to -38. With most people tucked away in the warmth comfort and safety of their homes or offices, it seemed that the whistling of the winter winds were only broken by the roar of a semi thundering down the highway busy carrying out it's job. When you look at the majority of photos I"ve taken, especially the Pro-Trucker Magazine Big Rig Weekend ones, you'll quickly see I like to capture the "Big" in Big Rig. This was different though. Winter and the life of the typical transport driver are a great study in the similarity of the contrasts they have. There is certainly harshness and isolation in both but in the end they both carry an awesome power to inspire. As Canadians & Americans (Northern States!) we know that winter comes back to us every November/December without fail. Likewise, it seems that even when they try to leave for something else, most truckers go back to what's in their blood and inspires their spirits: driving the roads of these great countries of ours. We owe alot to these women and men who venture out daily, even when many of us won't. They carry our economies on their backs and their days are far from easy. These photos humbly try to capture the harshness & beauty, the black & white of their everyday lives. |
