in his footsteps

 
I like noticing unexpected patterns and synchronistic movements of those I’m photographing, and it’s kind of surprising to me how often they crop up if I observe closely. Something about these moments comfort me in a way I can’t entirely explain, but perhaps has to do with my need to believe that beneath the sometimes difficult and monotonous nature of everyday living, life always contains a certain secret element of poetry.

More than any other location, I think beach shoots naturally allow for noticing this poetry in the ordinary. The expansive and commanding ocean quickly lulls its visitors into a dreamlike state and it’s easier for my subjects to forget about me and my camera. If it wasn’t for the way I tend to get a little stressed in dealing with the typically harsh lighting of beach shoots, I would like to do more of these.

I was in another area photographing the mom and daughter when I noticed the symmetry of father and son quietly combing the shore. It is in capturing subtle mannerisms, gestures, and fleeting expressions that I feel that we as photographers can present our clients with unique and meaningful glimpses of those they love most. It’s exciting to me when I hear that a certain portrait I’ve created for a client stirs something unexpected in them upon viewing. A vague recognition of something they can’t quite put their finger on but cherish nonetheless. These are the quiet and gentle things about their loved ones that perhaps flutter by their consciousness so quickly they don’t take note. And to me, these are the things worth holding onto……worth remembering.

~Cynthia