Amenities
a series of pinhole photography diptychs
Statement
All images © 2004-2009 Nancy A. Breslin
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I don't know what inspired me to pull out my pinhole camera one day, just after checking into a hotel, so I could photograph the artful display of soap, shampoo and shower cap. Ever since then my family knows to ask whether I've gotten my shot, before tearing the wrapping from the soap or otherwise disturbing the scene. I do know why I started photographing pools in some of the same hotels. My daughter always wanted a swim but I dislike the cold water. I'd bring a book to the pool while she swam, but my pinhole camera would be in my bag, of course. The water and chrome and tile were appealing. So, usually, was the quality of light. I have scores of photos of the soaps, and fewer of the pools, but when I have both from the same place, I love the juxtaposition. Both feature the tile and chrome and water, and both look very still (despite people swimming in the pool, the long exposure makes them ghostly at best). A hotel will be one of many for the guest, and the guest is one of many for the hotel. These images keep each hotel unique in my memory, while my family and I remain transient blurs to the hotel.