Every photographer has a story to tell.. I've never felt mine worth sharing though but the time has come to introduce a valuable person.
My long cherished wish has fulfilled in 2008 when I bought my first digital camera. Having had no interest in courses I decided to go for a private teacher so I simply googled the keywords: photography teacher Budapest.
I got a website with a man looking really passionate about teaching. I rang the number and arranged appointment for that weekend: 27th January, 2008. We met under the "clock" at the Moscow Square (Moszkva ter) our way followed to a common tripping place called Norma tree – not the most enchanting destination during the freezing winter still I managed to learn the basic rules of composition and had a great time. I felt like being with a friend rather than a stranger and we talked like knowing each other for many years. New sessions booked with Balazs Farkas-Szoke.
He was not only an experienced photographer but a truely artistic spirit: a musician and poet, a bright guy with a laid-back attitude and a peculiar sense of humour.. he was the teacher I needed.
Over six months passed and the weather gradually turned mild. Weekly sessions with long hours of walking and laughing, photo trips to local sights and cemeteries, arboratories, industrial places, abandoned gasworks and a visit to Vienna. Getting home we remained chatting in the car until the morning unaware of the time. I've not only learnt the tricks of digital photography but also learnt something about life.. from a man who once beat the cancer and wholeheartedly embraced his present and what he had.. his passion for teaching, his wife and newly born daughter.
I moved abroad in September and the lack of communication caused frustration hence a suddenly evolved argument over a petty issue. Pride? Wrath? What is friendship? Two years down the line and I learnt the lesson again.. this time for the last time.
Rest in Piece Balazs, you will always stay in the VIP section of my heart. Your words are echoing in my head and I clearly remember every minute we spent like it was an hour ago. This picture goes out to you and I hope you are enjoying the view from above as much as you enjoyed it below.
Cauldfield (1974) has passed away at the age of 36 on 28 July, 2011 leaving his wife, two daughters (2, 4 ys) and hundreds of students behind. We will all miss you but from all your students I will miss you the most.