i write a lot about gear and theory on this blog. i write about things that go wrong. and about the lessons i’m learning along the way.
but the only reason any of that stuff matters is that it prepares us for the moments that we are called upon to capture something important. something powerful.
after wrapping up a photo shoot this morning in central park working on a campaign for one of my clients, i met with a mother and son who are in the city for the weekend from florida as part of a charity program that i work with from time to time because i believe it is important to use our skills for more than just making money.
we met near times square and took a few photos there to have some fun and so i could get them warmed up to the camera. then we went to radio city to get some photos under the marquee, and to the christmas tree at 30 rock. they were so much fun and we’re not shy about posing and getting into it.
all of this was leading up to a visit to st paul’s cathedral , where the mother wanted to visit to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her husband’s death by spreading a small portion of his ashes outside of the church and lighting a candle for him at the altar of st. jude. when we arrived at the church, the mood turned somber, and i could feel the emotions welling up like yoda feels disturbances in the force.
we found a nice quiet corner amongst the chaos, just outside the doors on the north side of the cathedral where there was a statue dedicated to st francis of assisi. it was at his feet that they deposited the remains. even amongst the chaos, with millions of tourists in a teeming crowd just steps away, it was as if we were totally alone. no one entered the space while we were there, like there was a ward in place keeping curious onlookers from disturbing the impromptu ceremony. it is difficult to find words to express the complete immersion in the moment, the absolute presence of my whole being, that i experienced during this experience.
i was deeply moved, and feel honored to have been entrusted to be present for such an intimate and important moment in these individual’s lives. days like today are why i love photography.