Shutter Sisters

Bittersweet

By

It’s tough to fly under the radar with a huge black camera in your hands. Once your subject feels a lens pointed in their direction they become more aware of themselves and all hopes of being a fly on the wall are shot. So I’m always thrilled when I’m able to capture a truly natural, intimate moment. The above photo was taken at a 50th anniversary party last summer. These two brothers hadn’t seen each other in over a year and the man on the left has been dealing with increasing dimentia. I snapped this photo as the groom explained “I’m Bill. I’m your brother”. It was a heartbreaking moment to watch the confusion in his eyes followed by a slight glimmer of recognition. When I look at this picture, I remember the scene like it was yesterday.

Have you ever captured a touching moment where the subjects are totally unaware of your presence?

Comments

  1. What a touching story. I love those moments. I’ts like you are able to witness magic and capture it forever!

  9. Excellent capture.
    At one of the first weddings we did, we were hired as "extra" photographers. After the ceremony we let the pro do her thing and just followed and snapped what we could. The result is one of my favorite wedding moments (caught on film, no less!).

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2987574071/in/set-72157608368577997/

    I also snapped this one while on study abroad in Europe. The nanny’s posture tells the story. :o)

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2987573063/in/set-72157608536753721/

  10. What a beautiful picture and very moving story.

    This is one of my favourite things in the world to do…
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3384624437/in/set-72157607451011710/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3295305423/in/set-72157607451011710/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3295386705/in/set-72157607451011710/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3385399248/in/set-72157607451011710/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3385457320/in/set-72157607451011710/

  17. We were on a long walk out on the marsh…exploring all day. The boy grew cranky and needed a ride. He climbed into the stroller with his friend (who has Down Syndrome) and they grinned and grinned at each other. I love to see the connection they have. It’s pure *boy* love…

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3430946321/

  23. My father has dementia. It is such a thief. Gratefully, he is of good humor and seems not to suffer, although watching what is happening to him is not easy for the rest of the family.

    What a sweet moment you captured.

  24. Yes, I have. But I’m so overwhelmed after seeing this photo and reading the caption that I can’t remember anything else.
    This is profound.

  26. Wow sad huh. I’m a nurse and have seen this scene many times. But not in my life…yet.
    Great capture of a memory..

  27. Very intense, nice!

    Hope you are not bored with a man commenting and posting pics here sometimes among you girls, as I see that most of you are women and "sisters" 🙂
    It’s cause I like good photography and stories.

    These candid shots are the most difficult for me to do.
    Cheers

  31. I talk a lot of pictures of children, and one thing that is nice about them is that they are often unaware of you…well, that or overly aware, busy making funny faces and rabbit ears. Two extremes. But it’s always nice when you catch them just being themselves.

    In this one, I just wanted to know what was so funny…since neither of them could really talk yet.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/12418609@N00/3433396216/