A photograph, like other visual arts, saves an image in time. It does so far greater than our own memory, being a reliable reference for how it really looked when our mind begins to get hazy, or when the mind adds details that didn’t once exist. Photographs also work well to preserve memories and feelings; however, where the image works as a reference for our visual memory, our feelings may not always revert back to what we originally felt. I look back on work that I have done years ago, and while I remember what I liked about the scene and image, I also frequently find a new meaning within me, something new that the image means to me.
Depending on our moods, mindset and outlook, images tend to find different meanings within us. I made this photograph in October 2006 when Mike, a very good friend of mine and his wife Tammy just had a baby girl, Breanna. Tammy was holding Breanna and soon transferred duties over to Mike, which also occurred right around the time for another bottle. Mike, having experience doing this with their son Zach, took the bottle and offered it to Breanna, which she accepted. The room fell quiet and I observed this scene in front of me. At that time, I remember thinking that the lighting in the room was uneven and not very good, but this is a great photograph, they are both looking at each other; I had better act quick because it probably won’t last long. I quickly raised my camera and selected the quickest ISO, shutter and aperture combination that would not result in a blurry image since I had no tripod and there was poor light at best. Weeks later, I sent them the image, satisfied that I captured the emotion in the photograph that I felt.
A few weeks ago, as I was going through some of my older work, I came across this, and was struck at what new emotions I experienced. While I still remember how I felt when I took it, I can now reflect back on the years that have passed since this photograph was taken. I have watched my friends raise Breanna, once so tiny, into a little girl now with personality, ever smiling, and seemingly always happy. Their shared stares, to me, symbolize dependence, one of the other, but for different reasons. I still see these looks with them, her to him or him to her, still representing to me that same reliance in the other. I have watched the sacrifices both Mike and Tammy have made, and the shared joys they have had on birthdays and other events. All of this helps shape and refine what I feel with that one image, and reminds me of what a responsibility it is to be a parent. It reminds me of a time when on a trip to California, I had left a camera bag roadside with a lens and some other things in it after demanding my parents stop so I could take a photograph. This had been my father’s camera gear which I essentially took over as I became immersed in photography. I had asked that we stop the car so I could take a photograph (I still do this now, and am sometimes not very fun to travel with because of this).
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Once I had made the exposure, we got back in the car and left, however, forgetting to grab the camera bag. We realized about 30 minutes later and returned, to find an empty curb where the bag was left. My father was understandably upset, but we worked out a deal for a whole new camera system, for which I contributed what I could towards (A fraction of the actual cost). I was made to promise that I would allow him use of the new camera when he needed it, since he paid for most of it however; his request never came, not even once. Making sure I had a camera was important for him and today, I am thankful for that sacrifice he made. It helped nurture a passion that I have still going strong today. So, while this isn’t specifically a Father’s Day post, this photograph reminds me of the sacrifices parents make all throughout their children’s life as well as the interdependence between a parent and their child. Hope everyone has a great week! - Colin
You can see more of my work at www.colinseitzphotography.com. 2015 Calendars are coming soon, I should have the proofs back shortly, at which time I will accept pre-orders at a discounted rate.
