The stage which daily brings in mail, freight, express and passengers to Pie Town, New Mexico  c. 1940 - 1969

Russell Lee made this photograph of the Pie Town, New Mexico, post office at an unknown date using black and white film. This approach to photography reminds us that the final product is a result of many decisions made in the moment. Look at the detail of the old car bursting with packages. The layering of items on the car—suitcases, crates, and sacks—creates a sense of precariousness. Everything feels immediate, as if any moment could bring change. The people in the photograph are captured mid-activity, adding to the feeling of motion. The composition of the photograph, with the car as its focal point, creates a sort of tension. It feels like Lee wanted to capture the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a perfect snapshot of everyday life. Like Robert Frank's work, it embraces the beauty of the mundane.