Sunday, January 24, 2010

Dusting off the lens



This is Gaby Perez, 41, who sat beside me while I was having my hair cut on Friday. We chatted in a mix of English and Spanish (although I do not speak the latter), and I found myself drawn to her. She shared about her work at a local restaurant, her family and her desire to visit Paris, France.

Had we not shared in class and had I not read the opening chapters of Lamott's "Bird by Bird," I don't know if I would have pushed myself beyond that awkward inner question of "Should I ask...?" to make this frame. I wasn't sure if she would be open to the idea of someone making her picture while she waited with a plastic bag on her head for her hair dye to set, but she was genuinely touched and smiled with a "yes" when I did ask.

I also posted this on my blog, where I said sharing with Gaby reminded me of why I love photography -- making connections with others. This encounter encourages me to keep my camera at my side. There's no telling who'll I'll bump into next...

No comments: