Between his casual demeanor and quick humor, Scott liked the other man instantly. He headed for the counter to order and earn the right to take up a table for a while.
Mike greeted him with a smile. “It’s great to meet you without a screen in the way,” he said, referencing their prior video calls. “And I know you’ve seen my portfolio online, but it’s on my phone if there’s anything you want to ask me about.”
“You’ve got a gift for taking photos of industrial sites and making them look artistic.” Scott had been sincerely impressed with the work he had seen.
“Thank you.” Mike gave a pleased smile, and his cheeks pinked a little self-consciously. “It’s all in the angles. I look for the geometry. Most people are so focused on the function of afactory or a work site that they don’t really see the lines and colors. It’s easy to make an industrial site look junky. But they’re actually an amazing set of interconnected processes that have to go ‘just so’ for everything to work.”
“You’re also alumni, right?” Scott asked.
“Busted. Dr. Foster was one of my professors back in the day. That was a long time ago, but we kept in touch. When he took over the website and magazine, I was already established doing freelance work. I let him know I was interested and available, and it’s worked out well for both of us.”
“That’s great,” Scott replied. “They hit my sweet spot for the kind of pieces I write. I was happy to get several assignments all at once. The due dates are staggered, thank heaven, but that means we can be more efficient with the photos and the site visits.”
“I like that,” Mike agreed. “It makes for longer shoots, but if we need photos of the same area for multiple articles, I can plan better so I can get plenty of variety. And you know how it is once you get in the groove. You just start toseethings differently, and it takes a while to get that back if you can’t finish in one session or at least a few sessions that are close together.”
“I know what it’s like to get a pile of research done. I want to dive into the articles one after another because if I have to step away and come back, it’s like starting over from scratch,” Scott agreed.
“We’re definitely on the same page,” Mike said enthusiastically.
“There’s something you should know about the slant of the pieces,” Scott said. “A lot of the articles I write have an environmental angle. Not everyone agrees. These have a lot less of that, but I have a reputation.”
“Has there been pushback?” Mike asked.
“Some, more of a caution,” Scott said. “But my editor wants an overall positive slant, so that should ease concerns. The people driving these projects stand to make a lot of money. They don’t like anyone second-guessing them.”
“I know communities want new jobs, but they also don’t want to lose all the things they love about the area, like the scenery and the clean air,” Mike replied.
“It doesn’t have to be a trade-off.” Scott felt his passion for the topic rising. “There are plenty of companies that can relocate up there without making a mess of everything around them. Dr. Foster is using the articles to find good matches and hopefully spur future development in the surrounding area.”
“Let me guess, there’s interest from someone who isn’t an ideal fit,” Mike guessed.
“Someone is reopening the big mine,” Scott told him. “It had a problematic history in a lot of ways. That’s not something the university or Dr. Foster wants me to delve into very deeply.”
“That puts you in an awkward position.” Mike seemed genuinely sympathetic, and Scott took it as a win that the photographer wasn’t backing off the project. “Do you think we’re in danger?” Mike fiddled with his napkin, nervous at the direction the conversation had taken.
“I hope not,” Scott replied. “We’re keeping the articles positive, and they won’t get posted for a couple of months. It’s not like headlines on major news sites. These are academic sites and journals with a specialized audience. But I guess some comments were made that Dr. Foster took as potentially veiled threats to get him fired, to cut the budget, or maybe shut down the magazine or website. They’re being cautious not to get on the wrong side of the companies by bringing up past problems.”
“Shit. What a mess,” Mike replied.
“I wanted to let you know about that side of things, in case you would like me to request a different photographer,” Scottsaid. “We have to use the plane service that the university has a contract with, and the pilot isn’t going to be linked to the photos or articles. But you’ll have your name listed with the credits. I don’t know if that will cause a ruckus with anyone or not, but I thought you should know the background so you can make an informed decision.”
“It doesn’t change a thing.” Mike raised his head, and Scott saw a glint of fire in the man’s eyes. “I’m quiet, but I don’t like to get pushed around. I know Dr. Foster, and I trust him. One of the things I love about living in Upstate is how unspoiled a lot of the forest has managed to stay. If I can help keep it that way, I’m in. You’ll have to keep me in mind for the next article where you can be yourself.”
Scott felt relieved and realized how much he had worried that Mike might not stick with the project because of the opposition. That would have held up the articles until a replacement photographer could be found or suitable existing photos could be purchased. Since they didn’t have a large budget, either alternative could have killed the whole thing.
“Thank you,” Scott replied. “This means a lot.”
They spent the next half hour talking about sites and possible angles, with Scott explaining what he needed from the photos and Mike considering how they could get shots that delivered the goods. When they finally got up to leave, Scott felt comfortable with Mike’s skill and his enthusiasm for the project.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the airport.” Scott shook Mike’s hand.
“It looks like you picked a good day for it. Might be getting some storms later this week,” Mike said. “See you in the morning.”
Everything had gone well with Mike, even better than Scott had hoped. Still, he felt restless.
They haven’t pulled the plug yet, so I’m not going to worry about that unless it happens,Scott told himself. Still, the best way he knew to shake off his mood was to take a run in his fur. Just the thought of it made him smile.
Best idea you’ve had all day,his coyote teased.
