When I see another beautiful child (besides my own, of course) I literally ache to see that child's picture taken -- whether it is with my camera (which I truly prefer) or through someone else's lens. To me, people (and especially children) are little works of art walking around asking to have their pictures taken. I went to a graduation of my nephew last week for Bingham High School (go Miners!) from South Jordan, UT. Well, with a graduation class of 700+ you can well imagine that the meeting got a little long (and hot). As I sat there listening to the long speeches about the last 100 years of the Miner's history (no really, it was their 100 year anniversary) I couldn't help but notice the darling little boy sitting 3 rows down from me and the precious couldn't-be-more-than-1-month-old who was sitting in the row in front of me, about 6 people down. Needless to say, I am now the proud owner of photos of the cutest strangers you will ever meet. They will never see the light of day (privacy issues, you know) but every time I look at them they make me smile and I remember the joy their faces brought me that day.
I have been known to walk up to strangers and ask them if they would mind if I took their picture and email them to them. I had been watching this cute couple on the LDS Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The cute husband "listened" to his wife's tummy and they looked at each other and "shared a moment". I figured they were pregnant and lucky for me they were because I did the absolute no-no -- I asked them if they were pregnant! I found out today was the day they were going to tell their families and they were really excited. I asked them if I could take their picture and then got their email address. I told them to be sure and go get a pregnancy photo shoot done by some lucky Utah photographer. Anyway, long story, but just an example of my obsession with the art. I suspect they thought I was some kind of psycho and had probably attached a virus to the email, I don't know. I never heard back from them after I sent the pictures. I just know, I find great joy in capturing the happiness in people's lives.
Haven't you ever noticed how much more fun the reunion seemed or the day at the beach seemed or the day in the park seemed through pictures. You can't feel the heat through the pictures nor can you feel the mosquitoes, or gnats, or remember how tired the baby was -- None of that! You can only feel the love that being together brings - capture the moments so that you -- and your kids -- can remember them.
I am now stepping down off of my soap box. Thanks for listening.
