Argomenti trattati
Photography and the art of storytelling
Photography is not just about images; it’s about storytelling. Sometimes, it’s all about being at the right place at the right time, allowing you to seize moments that resonate deeply. This was my experience on Easter Sunday when I volunteered to photograph events at a local Lutheran church, just a short distance from my home.
Documenting the day’s events
The day was filled with various activities, including a serene sunrise service by the Potomac River, regular church services, and an exciting Easter egg hunt. As I navigated through these events, my role was to capture the essence of each moment. This form of photography is like being a storyteller; you aim to convey the experience through your lens.
During such occasions, I focus on capturing essential elements: speakers addressing the congregation, participants engaging in activities, and scenic details that enrich the story. My goal is to find the heart of the event and create images that reflect not only what happened but also the emotions involved.
Finding the perfect shot
While I had high hopes for the sunrise service, the weather didn’t cooperate that morning, presenting a gray and overcast sky. The subsequent services were bustling with churchgoers, making it tricky to find unobstructed angles. I prefer to blend into the background, allowing the event to unfold naturally without my presence being disruptive.
This perspective can be somewhat controversial. Many photographers feel compelled to place themselves in the middle of the action to capture the perfect shot, but I believe it detracts from the experience for everyone involved. Just like you wouldn’t want the party’s disruptive uncle at your gathering, I strive to maintain a respectful distance while still getting the images that tell the story.
A moment captured in time
During the second service, I noticed a little girl seated with her family, about seven rows back. Although she was distant, my 70-200mm lens allowed me to zoom in. As the service progressed, she began to fidget, and I could sense a great shot was within reach.
The late morning light streaming through the windows posed a challenge, threatening to wash out the image. I opted against using a fill flash, as it often disrupts the ambiance of such sacred moments. Fortunately, luck was on my side during a prayer before communion. The little girl turned around as the adults leaned forward, creating a perfect opportunity. I quickly captured three shots, using the darker attire of the attendees to balance the harsh light.
In one photo, her face was obscured as she shifted. In another, an adult inadvertently blocked her. However, the third shot was the one that truly resonated. It encapsulated the moment’s spirit beautifully, showcasing the innocence and curiosity of childhood.
Reflecting on the experience
As I review the images from this Easter edition of “Another 52 Weeks,” it’s hard to believe that we’re already a third of the way through the year. Time flies, doesn’t it? Each captured moment serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, encouraging us to cherish these experiences.
I hope my reflections and photographs from this Easter resonate with you. If you find yourself in the Greater Washington, D.C. area on May 29, I invite you to join me at the launch of my photo book, Keep Your Distance: Walking Through the First Year of COVID.
This free event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Elaine’s in Old Town Alexandria and will feature a social hour, an interview, a Q&A session, and a book signing. Due to limited capacity, only the first 50 guests to sign up will be able to attend.
Book details
A limited number of hardback copies of Keep Your Distance are available for $40, plus $5.95 for shipping and handling. You can place your order by visiting the provided link.
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