Often, looking through the lens of my camera and through the resultant photographs, I become curious about the people and their lives. Beneath the party chatter, what are their stories? Who in this crowd is approaching a difficult birthday? Who has just learned that they have a terminal illness? Or worse, a loved one does. Who has just learned that they are about to become a parent? Who has lost a loved one? Who has just found the job they dreamed of? Who is having an affair? What do their futures hold? I find myself making up stories for them. Go ahead, have a go at it; make up your own stories.
Unknown at the moment of this shot: Someone in this crowd would later sell me a purse with a bunny on it.
Known: She was on time. He was late.
Known: The man on the left is the owner of Ligne Roset Houston and Ligne Roset Boutique and is multi-lingual.
Can you see the photographer in the background? I would love to see that shot and hear what he heard. Known: the young woman on the left speaks both French and English like a native speaker.
What is she thinking about? Or is she thinking up a story for someone across the room?
Known: This five-year-old's mom let her choose her own shoes for the evening. Great choice; Great Mom!
Known: The man on the right sold an Arts & Crafts bungalow in California four years ago and is still missing that bungalow.
I do this sort of thing all the time with my daughter! We always try and imagine them getting ready for the day, or sleeping. It goes on and on, just like you wrote above. It is so fun to do. Lately my daughter and I love to hear bits of conversations as we are walking by someone. We have heard some pretty funny things while people are chatting on their cell phones or just chatting.
ReplyDeleteLove this post, and glad to see others enjoy this pastime :)
I love this post ! I used to do this sort of thing when I was young - mostly while in the car with my mom. We would be at a stop light, and I'd just be looking at everyone around us - trying to imagine where they were going and why. Then it would start to blow my mind that there were so many people on the Earth - and that every living thing has it's own separate story .... Oh well, can you tell I was a wee bit of a dark and intense child ?! Luckily, as I've aged, I've willed myself into happiness!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth and Kelley,
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased to learn that we three have this pastime in common!
This is so great. You are so curious and present in the moment at this event. So many times I rush through whatever I am doing. These looks like meaningful moments in time rather than party pics. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading "A Heart in Provence" for a while... I don't know why I didn't click on that little "Bunny Bungalow" link next to the "translated by"... glad I did today.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Madame: Thanks! I always like to shoot in a cool place. Makes me look good.
ReplyDeleteDixie,
Glad you dropped by!
this was such a great post! how observant you were of that one couple! you definitely should write captions for people from here on out! the bartender lady looks like she just smelled something really foul or was making comments about those pink shoes to herself in her head.
ReplyDeleteManuel,
ReplyDeleteYou've got me laughing over your "bartender lady" remark. Thanks for dropping by.