Those Moments I encounter moments when I am going about my business as a “professional photographer” where I pause and reflect on what I love about my job. This is one of those moments. My grandfather and great grandfather were pro photographers back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. To this day, I still am encountering people posting various photographs online that they created over 100 years ago. I am reminded that a portion of what I do has value beyond what I can really understand right now. Some of the images I create will outlive every person reading this posting, and may very well be shared for generations. I am in some small, but important way, granted the privilege of being a part of someone else’s life and legacy. What an honor and responsibility. Sometimes, I am creating a portrait for someone who has been through serious or life threatening health problems, perhaps a battle with cancer, and they are just wanting a portrait, and they want it to be the best I can create, simply to help them look their best at a time when “life” hasn’t been easy for them. They want to look great, even if they don’t feel great. I am reminded to be grateful for the blessings in my life and don’t take my health for granted. Sometimes, I am creating a portrait of someone, not knowing that this image will end up being their obituary photo. That has happened several times over the years. It ‘s a sobering thought that the image I created is now the photograph their friends and family and the community will remember them by. Sometimes this has happened suddenly, within just months after I created their portrait. And it has happened when the person is young or old. I am reminded that life is so fragile. Sometimes, I book a client who says they don’t feel “beautiful”, and then I look at them and think “but you ARE beautiful”. Funny how we sometimes miss the beauty we each possess within us. And then they say afterwards, “you made me feel so beautiful.” I am reminded that each person is beautiful in their own way, and sometimes people are so fragile in how they see themselves. Sometimes, I hear from one of my students who thank me because I inspired them to make sure they capture images of the people and times and moments that mean the most to them. In fact, that happened just today. I am reminded that the teaching I do might make a difference in someone’s life in a ways I can’t even imagine. Sometimes, I encounter those moments where I just have to stop and reflect on how we photographers have an amazing job, because our lives briefly cross paths with so many people and the images we create become a part of THEIR life story for generations. What’s really amazing is the fact that I photograph some of the most influential and inspiring people in the world, but not in the way you might be thinking. Just think about the people in your life who have made a huge impact on you in some way. Were they rich, famous, superstars, or held some fancy title? Or were they just someone who cared about you and helped you in some way? ANYONE has the capacity to be influential and inspiring to someone else. Judging by the wonderful people I have met along the way, I am quite sure I have photographed some of the most influential and inspiring people in the world. Yes, I love “those moments” where I pause and reflect. I have the best job in the world. Kevin Gourley
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 03:00:33 +0000
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