Capturing the Soul

"I try to photograph people's spirits and thoughts. As to the soul-taking by the photographer, I don't feel I take away, but rather that the sitter and I give to each other. It becomes an act of mutual participation." Yousuf Karsh

I have encountered two people who would not let me photograph them because they did not want me to capture their soul in "that little box." Both were quite serious. Maybe others who would not be photographed felt the same way, but would not say the reason. Who knows?

I do take from people I photograph. I do try to capture something of their essence. That is what I do, hope so anyway. Without that essence, that touch of them, the photo is so lifeless. But it is an exchange. If I am not open and giving of myself there is no opening, no connection. Sometimes it is almost painful, a draining
of the soul. Othertimes, its like flying.

I have met people that I just have to photograph, not due to to their physical apearance, but there is something there, a glimpse into their soul, a spark, a connection. Maybe it comes with the art. Maybe it is just a part of the cosmos, a link between us all that we sometimes recognize. Maybe it is my imagination. I gave up trying to figure this out long ago.

The Memorial

Randolph Murray, the editor of the Houston Peach stopped by my desk Monday and told me that someone had emailed about an area near Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins where someone had set up some army figures

You never know what you will find when you get these type tips, most are a bust. I went by to take a look, and was really touched by what I found. A good sized sandy area covered with military figures and gear. tanks, trucks, humvee's, jeeps, missles, and even choppers overhead. The figures and equipment was a mix, some World War II era stuff, others from more modern times, looking like todays footage from Iraq. Quite surreal.

I got out of the car and walked over, shot a couple of frames and it hit me. Like being in a memorial. Felt like I was intruding.

I had planned on visiting a nearby business to try and find who set it up. Probably kids playing, but such a large scale. Guess I really don't care who did it, or why now. Few more weeks it will be Memorial Day. I started my observance early