From time to time, everything seems to line up on an assignment. The light. The scene. The people.
It happened recently when I was at Palace Shoe Repair. The family business has been a staple of downtown Rockford for about 90 years.
The light was perfect. The vintage hand tools and machines had so much personality. I knew I was going to be happy spending some time there.
Tom Giamalva (left) trims a piece of composition rubber for the heel of a shoe while his brother, Dave, works on putting a rivet on a handbag Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at Palace Shoe Repair in Rockford. MAX GERSH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/RRSTAR.COM ©2015
Dave Giamalva repairs a pair of sandals Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at Palace Shoe Repair in Rockford. MAX GERSH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/RRSTAR.COM ©2015
I only could stay for about 30 minutes when I went to shoot photos. I scheduled more time the following day for a few more photos and a video.
Lou Giamalva threads a sewing machine Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, while repairing a shoe strap at Palace Shoe Repair in Rockford. MAX GERSH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/RRSTAR.COM ©2015