Chance Meeting

It has been a bit since I have sat and just written in the blog and for that I do apologize. Unfortunately life consumes us and our thoughts at times and the only thing we are able to turn out are the bare minimums. I hate that I get like that. Anyways it is time to pick myself up dust off the key board and let it take me where it does this time.

As a photographer I am constantly looking at things in different ways trying to find the next photo to embellish my camera with. Oh??? You actually thought that it was the camera that takes the last great photo you saw? "Oh contraire mon frère" it is the artist behind the camera that makes the photo. How you ask? Well it is in the manner in which we see things and how we compose the shot, it isn't as simple as you think. I could ask my photographer friends to take a landscape photo of a particular place and each photo would be unique to the photographer taking it. The camera is just a the tool that allows us to share it with the world.

The Unsuspected Subject

My favorite sessions I do are the "Shots on the Streets", the reason why are that they are moments I have captured that are raw, real, and meaningful photos. These photos are always in black and white, simply because black and white tells a story with no distractions. The photo to the left depicts this completely. The young man was sitting in the local coffee shop "The Bean". This moment started inside, my wife and I were having our morning coffee, well more like a refill from the first early morning wake me up cup. We had been out taking photos as we always do, as we sat and talked sometimes in silence, about our morning I noticed a young man sitting at the table by the window. He had his computer out and a stack of papers. Now I am a people watcher. No, no not the creepy kind. I enjoy to notice people and who they are when they think no one is paying attention to them, as during this time you will usually find the true essence of a person. The young gentleman was definitely focused on what he was working on. After some time I saw him sift through some of the papers and pull out a set. He looked over at us and introduced himself and that he was part of a program from Duke University who were working in our community.

He asked for our assistance for a survey about the effects of storms in our community and the effects it takes on us mentally. I graciously agreed to participate as my knowledge of information is that you have to have a lot of responses from surveys to convey a more accurate result. I read each question and answered it as accurately as I could and returned the survey to the young man. He thanked me and we continued to talk for a few moments and we parted ways and granted each other well wishes. 

An Unlikely Encounter

I am not sure exactly how long it was between the first picture and when I was able to capture this moment. The day started out like every other moment for this series. We got up before dawn grabbed our coffees and camera gear and headed out in the darkness of the early morning. We had gone down to Styrontown to catch the sun push through the horizon and display a work of art only God himself can paint. I did obtain some amazing photos, but you shall have to visit the online gallery to view those, but don't worry they are right next door maybe over a page or two. Door is open just head right on in.

We sat at our usual table, which is at a lower table, but we can see the front door and out the window. I noticed this young lady a few moments after we walked in. She like the other one had her computer out half-dressed and half still in last night's jammies. I do think that jammies have become an item that you do wear out in public. My how times have changed, only time I think I ever did that was as a child and I was inherently sick. We sat down at our usual table, and I immediately got my printer ready, I knew from the moment I walked in she would become part of this series. I took my phone and snapped a picture and viewed it, yes, definitely the right moment captured. I printed it off and my wife and I debated through looks who would deliver it to her. I am usually cautious doing this because you never know what the reaction will be. 

When I introduced myself and told her that I do this at random and it is my way of sharing a smile with the world around us. She looked at the picture with such amazement and gratitude. Hmmm, I wonder if she has ever truly seen herself in this way? Thought to ponder on in my crowded mind. At that moment she smiled big and told me that I had done the same thing for one of her team that was down here from Duke. She was part of the same group I spoke of above. She was like "you did a picture for my friend as well." That put a smile on my face and heart as I know now that these moments are becoming infectious and starting to spread. How cool is that? This young lady is studying medicine and has been volunteering throughout our county. Since the day I met her I have continually seen her on different groups on Facebook where she is helping out or in the newspaper "The Pamlico News" being silently portrayed as it never mentions her name only a picture with a beautiful smile. You can tell that the work she does her as fulfilled her heart in ways she didn't imagine.

To the world of Mill Creek I introduce you to Grace.....she leaves this Saturday to continue her journey but has left an impression on those of us who take notice......

We have been back several times and each time she lights up when she sees us. She bids us good morning tidings and asks how we are. We return smiles and greetings to her as well. We will have a short conversation but always a thoughtful one. She is one that my wife and I shall remember. I remember all that I have met so far as they have all earned special places in my heart because this series gives meaning to the work I do behind the camera. The stories on Facebook and in the news has never mentioned her name and the last encounter we had I made sure to ask her for it. Her name matches her and suits her well. I introduce you to "Grace" from Pennsylvania and in North Carolina studying at Duke University. The work and passion I have seen her put into our community tells me she will do amazing in her path she has chosen in life. Until next time, be on the lookout for "Shots on the Street" you may just be next.