Before every shoot, I spend time brainstorming new ideas, props and look for inspiration... which usually leads to staying up all night making/buying specific items. The day comes, I check to make sure I have my camera/battery pack/flash drive/lenses. I then pack my car as the time gets closer, anxiously I watch the clock. I glance at the car which is filled to the brim with balloons, stools, flowers, wagons, benches, you name it. I've got it. I make sure the boys are taken care of, sometimes they come with. I check AGAIN to see if I have my camera. Because how embarrassing would that be if I showed up without it? It's like a nervous twitch as I reach for my camera repeatedly. Turning it on, snapping a photo to see what kind of crazy settings I left it on from previous use. The time gets closer to "go" time, so of course I reach for my camera, powering it on as naturally as an inhale of breath, turn to check settings... again and find a subject. The same test subject as always. Standing there looking right back at me, I get this face:
I usually trash the picture if not instantly, in post processing. Not for any reason other than it was just a "test" snap. In this case, even if I did want to save it - the ISO was too low leaving it too dark. Picky me would have just tossed it, as there are thousands of him already jamming up my cpu. :)
As I looked at it (before trashing it of course) I wondered for a split second, what was behind those eyes.
Did he wonder why I bounced around from project to project, rushing through the house?
Did he wonder if I just wanted to frantically get out the door?
Does he look up to me and does watching me spark something inside of him that could possibly make HIM want to work hard someday?
Did he wish I would just stop and check out the really cool rock he found?
Did he WANT me to leave?
Did he want a turn to take a picture?
Is he sick and tired of being my "test subject?"
Does he wonder if I notice him?
Did this sweet, innocent face have a game plan to sneak some licorice the second I headed to the car? :)
I'm grateful for the chance this photo gave me to stop and think.
If only I could think like a child again. This adult stuff is for the birds.
Instead of trashing the picture, I played with it of course. All the while, wondering what he thinks.
