How Light Dances
As a lifestyle photographer, my job doesn't stop when the camera is switched off and tucked back into its cozy bag. Photography is more than just capturing images; it's about capturing life, telling a story, and noticing the unnoticed. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, my eyes wander, and my mind works to frame everyday life into potential photographs.
Most people think light is just illumination, but to someone always noticing, light takes on different characters throughout the day. It's sly in the morning, bold in the afternoon, and reflective by evening. Have you ever sat in a café, and for a fleeting moment, noticed how the soft glow of the setting sun lands perfectly on a stranger's face? Perhaps they're lost in a book or engrossed in a conversation, entirely unaware that they're part of this brief but exquisite visual spectacle. These are the moments that fuel me, the unnoticed instances where life is nothing short of poetic.
Not Just Looking, but Seeing
It's easy to look; it's another thing entirely to see. During a family session at the beach, it's easy to be caught up in the big moments (like when everyone finally manages to look at the camera at the same time). But what captivates me are the instances in between those orchestrated smiles. The way a toddler buries their tiny feet in the sand or the almost imperceptible proud look a parent gives their child when they think I'm changing my camera settings. It's in these unplanned, real moments that the essence of a family comes through.
The Habit of Observation
When the camera's off and the session wraps up, the art of noticing doesn’t switch off for me. It makes me question the reason behind actions and see the beauty in 'normalcy,' grounding me in the now. It's like muscle memory; the more you notice, the more attuned you become to the subtleties that make life textured, layered, and infinitely interesting.
Next time you find yourself waiting for that coffee to brew or for the bus to arrive, try practicing the art of noticing. See the way the light filters through the leaves or how a mother's eyes soften when she looks at her child. Witness the laughter of old friends reuniting or the determined face of someone tackling a challenging task. These are the real moments, the unfiltered experiences that life offers us.
And who knows? You might just find that life, in its simplest form, is a series of photographs waiting to be taken, each frame a fleeting chance to celebrate the extraordinary hiding in the ordinary.
