'This one doesn't count'

Aaron Cole on the Silver Creek Bridge
Photograph by Tom Atwood

Over the years I have learned two secrets I'll give up here. First, when interviewing someone for a news story or documentary, the best soundbites often come after asking this question: "Is there anything else you would like to say?" It's almost like the interview is over, the person being interviewed relaxes a bit, and opens up. Second, when taking a still portrait, the best photos sometimes come when taking "practice shots," to set exposure and focus. "This one doesn't count," I told Aaron Cole as I took this picture. So he relaxed, laughed and joked with his girlfriend, Manda, and the result? This one did count. I didn't lie to Aaron. I misspoke.