Lesson three for this amazing course I am taking, that inspires, encourages and pushes us to do our best when photographing people. I must say that for this week’s lesson, I was thinking I would have to do it in the make-up week since I would be on vacation, visiting my mom in California. Time would be busy, some shopping, a visit to a winery, hiking with a friend, walking on the beach and of course, spending time with my mom would keep me on the go. As I sat one night at dinner with my mom, Sis, and her “friend” I was talking about how wonderful this course has been and how much I’ve learned from this…and that I’d have to skip this week’s lesson. My mom asked me why and who or what I was suppose to photograph…I told her either a couple or children. Much to my surprise…she offered for the two of them to be my “subjects!” Pleased and excited, I had two days to do a bit of research on photographing senior citizens…that was helpful and I found some ideas for poses, which I felt might work. I knew the location would be the back yard of the house my mom was renting in the retirement community…I didn’t want to push my luck and take them somewhere they would feel anymore uncomfortable than I felt they would already feel. Also, I knew it would be limited…time, that is, and needed to move them quickly through the session, so needed to be efficient!
A bit of history…just over four years ago my dad passed away, he and my mom had been married for 48 years and had been incredible role models for us kids as to what a happy and healthy marriage is all about. Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, but my mom is extremely strong and has kept busy and enjoyed life in the past few years…although I knew she missed having a companion. She winters in Southern California every year (she lives in Spokane, Washington the rest of the year)…and last year she met someone who caught her eye and the two of them found they enjoyed spending time together. Her friend (my mom’s term, not mine!!), Philip, had recently lost his wife to a terrible illness and seemed to enjoy my mom’s company, as well. Fast forward a year…they are still enjoying time together, traveling some, golfing, sharing meals, going to movies, walks and even beating my husband and I at Words with Friends (they are tough competition!)…and are so darn cute together. Once can see the spark they have for each other and it’s great to see that even after a wonderful marriage, life does go on and you can find someone to share your time with again. I’m very happy for both of them and know that their loved ones who are no longer here, would be happy to see them happy!
One thing I found to be a great way to help them (mostly Philip) relax was to ask them what each of them saw in the other when they met a year ago. It took their focus away from myself and the camera…to the other one and they each seemed to relax. Hearing their thoughts and the wonderful qualities that brought them together…it was heartwarming and so nice to know that my mom has found someone to share her life with, who cares about her and enjoys being with her. It’s a blessing to find the “love of your life” and when you lose that love, to find another to share life with is truly an extra blessing!
