Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Photo Heart Connection: Taking Flight and A Private Moment

Every month, Kat Sloma hosts a link-up she calls "Photo Heart Connection," where she encourages photographers and artists to review their monthly work and pick the one which most touches their heart. It's funny, but in April, she couldn't find a photo for this month (read about it and see other PHC entries here). I had a bit of a hard time finding an April photograph, and I skipped the practice entirely in March (more on that later). I did have a couple of April photos of my kids which touched my heart:
Henry looking all grown up on the day of his interview with the Giants
Clara and her team mates at the Arcadia Invitational
But they weren't really doing it for me, in a PHC kind of way. So I looked back through my track photos from April and chose the photograph up top. A photograph I took of Abby (one of Clara's team mates) doing the high jump. The photograph touches my photographic heart because of its technical beauty. I love being a sports photographer. I enjoy taking portraits, still lifes, street photography, nature shots and other types of photography, as well.
But I take immense joy in becoming the best sports photographer I can be. I have been on a journey this track season learning how to photograph track. And, at a recent meet, I spent about an hour by the high jump pit. Figuring out the angles; watching the light. Talking with another women who was photographing the jumpers. And, even though none of my children do the high jump (or maybe because of it), I felt really inspired. I felt that photo-heart connection as I captured Abby taking flight. And sailing over the bar.
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Photo Heart Connection: March
 At the end of March, I was on a bit of a blog break. I thought about doing PHC, but I actually felt overwhelmed by the number of PHC contenders. I finally settled on this one:
"After a long day of work" - a photograph which perfectly captures a moment. Late at night, after having taught an evening class. I come home, I take off my shoes and socks, but I'm still in my dress slacks. I'm tired. But still a bit too wired to sleep. I'll probably go upstairs and watch a bit of TV. Have a light snack. And unwind. When I look at this photo, I'm immediately drawn back into the moment. A private moment. Unknown to others, but one which defines the edges of my work life.
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And here are a few of the other contenders:
My bedside table at night
A still life "Unlocking the Past"
Clara with a puppy at the Humane Society
Before the boys 3200 meter race
Each of these touches my heart for a different reason, but I'm happy with my March choice. And happy that I took the time to not just review my photographs, but write about the connection. For it is in the writing that I learn more about myself. As a photographer. As an artist. And as a person. Thank you Kat. And I'm looking forward to where your current journey takes you.

20 comments:

helena said...

I love the photo when you have taken off your shoes - I feel the moment - a great reminder to capture these telling aspects of life right now

Miriam said...

Me too! I love that feeling of kicking my shoes off after a long day. Mine are never as neat as this though:)
Your picture at the hight jump is amazing.
Thank you for the beautiful postcard.

Sian said...

I like that one of Clara with the puppy, too.

The sports pictures? I bet years down the line all the team mates will meet up at reunions and things and they'll talk about thier triumphs and everyone will say - Clara's Mum will have lots of great pictures, let's ask her!

Susanne said...

Great stories shown here through the snapsshots. Glad you shared.

scrappyjacky said...

I just love the one of Clara and the puppy....I would have had a very hard job not taking it home with me.

Cheri said...

I know from trying to photograph my own children at soccer how hard it can be to get just the right moment. Your high jump photo is spectacular. Also love the one you chose for March. I know that moment well!

Melissa said...

Oh Rinda, what wonderful photos! I like your picks for both months & that you took the time to look for and find the heart connection!

Beverly said...

Love that in the waiting you found the connections and your March choice shares a private moment with us. I am always impressed with your sports photography. The photo of Clara & the pup touches my heart :)

Alison said...

I too love the photo off Clara and the pup...but oh how the reason for your final choice resonates with me...that lovely moment when the shoes come off after A hard day!!
Alison xx

seabluelee said...

Your sports shots are good! I especially like that last one - the light really sets a mood and gives a feeling of drama.

MaggieGem said...

Great choice for you PHC! That high jumper shot is awesome, I feel you excitement in "nailing" that shot... But Clara and the Pup, who could resist that one?

Lou said...

Your sports photos are great. There's something about capturing an action shot x

Jo Murray said...

You really do have a way of capturing the moment Rinda. Each of these photos has its own story that draws you in.

Karen said...

You are a wonderful sports photographer, and it's not an easy task!

Carola Bartz said...

The high jump photo is truly wonderful! I can see the passion you have for sports photography and I can only encourage you to follow that path. I know how difficult it is, having tried to get decent photos when my daughter did cross country and track (she doesn't anymore because she has way too much homework). I love your choice for March - I can feel the moment, after a day's work it's so good to get off those shoes and fell the ground under bare feet.

Sarah Huizenga said...

A lot of good choices, but the one you chose is perfect.

Suzette Rothlisberger said...

Wonderful...

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Such wonderful photos! I love the high jump one!

Nathalie said...

Loving your pick for March... but I really enjoyed each words+photo combination, it gives so much meaning to each one!

Missus Wookie said...

Another who knows the feeling of arriving home after a long day and kicking off shoes and socks. I like the combinations of words and photos here - such a lovely collection of explanations.