I never titled photographs until the Right Coast project. Maybe because this work stems from a personal involvement with the subject matter, or because some of the content needs explanation (albeit brief), the images seem to need titles. Most come easily. Some titles are just obvious: “Ryan and Stef” is a picture of, well, Ryan and Stef.
Some are obscure: “The Return of the Coop,” could have just been called Tim and Rob. But here is where the personal nature of the project intervenes: the giant board, a 10 foot Cooperfish (the Coop), held by the man on the right (Rob, who would later become my husband) had been dry-docked for weeks, needing a serious and complex repair. The two men in the photograph had turned the repair into a Rube Goldberg science project, complete with syringes and laminating resin. Once the board was finally good to go, they took it out for a spin, even though there really were no waves. Right before I took this shot, Tim commanded me, “try not to show how flat it is…” At any rate, the Coop had returned!
Some titles are a real struggle. One of my newest images refuses to be pinned down. One possible title hints only vaguely at the wave’s location, but since I don’t want to get hollered at by the locals, that one is just out. I could call it “Secret Spot,” but the location isn’t that secret. “Double Kegger” could be fun, referring to the two barrel shaped waves peeling off in opposite directions. However, that also calls to mind a frat party so that title won’t stick either. Another option is “Surfed Out,” meaning everyone was surfed out and gone for the day, hence the unridden wave. Still not it though. Finally, there is just the name I’ve been using for the jpeg, “amazing wave,” which is dopey but accurate.
I’ll need to come up with something, but for now I throw my hands up in the air!
