Magic Moments

The great Henri Cartier Bresson documented the notion of “The Decisive Moment”.

It’s the split second in time when all the elements in the Classic Frame come together. In this precise moment in time, the Photographer trips the shutter and creates an image of that exact moment that stops everyone in their tracks who sees it.

Oh my goodness, this relationship to time, life, observing, waiting, anticipating, hoping, feeling and being sensitive is at the very heart of documenting the expression of life.

I have had a few moments where I felt I came close. This probably more by fortuitous luck than any skill in anticipating I may have. I have gone through my archive looking to see if I have any moments where this convergence of elements got created within my Frame.

More often than not, these moments involve people. However, not always, the combination of Light, Colour, Gesture all come from nature and can create an extraordinary moment worthy of documenting.

The expression in this moment is what gives the image heart and soulful impact.

Something as simple as a hand around the waist or over the shoulder communicates care and compassion.

People moments are unexpected and add to the creative moment.

Humans are funny beings - an orderly que waiting to cross Abbey Road like little Beatles.

Another of my heroes is Jay Maisel; Jay teaches his students to go out completely empty. Have zero attachment to getting a particular shot.

Allow life to come to you.

I interpreted this as being open to life exactly as it is, be responsive to what is actually happening in front of me in the moment, be fully present and then……..RESPOND.

“Each picture you take has power as long as it brings experience to the person who’s looking at it.”

“I want to go out as unprepared as possible so I can get filled up with what the world has to offer”.

– Jay Maisel

Thanks for reading