The Golden Gate Bridge – San Fransisco

We have sold two framed prints this week which led to a request for this image from my website. There is usually a good story behind my images and this is one of my favourites.

I don’t know why I’m attracted to this bridge. Perhaps I understand the econonic importance of bridges living in an area of Scotland which is accessed by two bridges, The Forth Road Bridge and the Tay Road Bridge. I think though the attraction stems from great photographs and American cop programmes broadcast whilst I was growing up. Regardless, this bridge has always held a special place in my heart and I set my heart on photographing it one day – and I did.

My wife and I planned a trip to America, stopping off in San Fransisco, time was short and I started gathering information from locals as soon as I arrived in town. I was told to walk up Hyde, it’s a rather relentless steep hill, a real heart breaker. I got to the top and the bridge was miles away. Not to be put of I turned right and walked two blocks and came across a yellow cab. The time – 4 or 5 am and my deadline was Sunrise. The pressure was on.

The Golden Gate Bridge is miles out of town – gulp. The cab driver dropped me off at a car park, in the pitch black of night. I had no idea where to go. I could see the bridge but couldn’t get a clear shot. A police car drove up and being very understanding and possibly because I was Scottish he pointed me in the right direction. A picnic area. No ! It was pitch black still and I thought I wouldn’t live to see the light of day. I was expecting homeless people and drug dealers to appear out of the darkness. Eventually the light lifted enough and I spotted a path which took me down to a quayside where locals where illegally fishing for dungeness crab.

They made me very welcome and I even took pictures for a families Christmas Card. They had got up early to drive to the bridge to take a photo to send to family round the world and they used mine.