Allow Your Emotions to Capture Those Magical Moments

Have you ever been on a photoshoot and just felt like you were in the zone?  You noticed that your breathing would slow and your surroundings seemed to fade away?

It has happened to me a number of times, especially when I am shooting old buildings.  Old buildings have timeless character.  Each one of them is a story in of itself.  

I often wonder what was in the builder’s mind, when that first section of rustic timber was hand-crafted and carefully put in its place.  Did they have a certain design theme in mind?  Was it a simple pioneer cabin, created to support a mining claim?  Or, perhaps it was the cabin of their dreams.  I experience a certain connection, each time I photograph one of these structures.  

I recall one photoshoot of a very old homestead, that was soon to be demolished for a new subdivision.  As I stood there and let my imagination run wild, I could see the old ranch family out on the porch.  One of the angles of composition that I shot was a backlit focus early one summer morning, with the sun just begining to peek over the mountains.  

As I walked the perimeter of the building, I caught a glimpse of Old Glory…tattered, but standing strong.   Apparently when they vacated the home, they left her to guard the premesis.  Knowing that the house was soon to be demolished, I set up a composition of the house with Old Glory on station, guarding the rear flank.  After shooting this angle, I proceeded to gently roll her up and respectfully brought her home.  I could not bear the thought of leaving her to a careless demise.  She has been placed and permanently resides on the wall of my office, never to be left for another.

Old Glory...tattered but eternal.

Be intentional about allowing your emotions to flood your soul as you visualize the composition of your subject.  Be in the moment as you focus your thoughts.  Picture yourself back in the beginning, as if it were a movie set that you had just finished the script.  Relax your shoulders.  Listen quietly, to your surroundings.  They will tell you the real story.  Perhaps record your thoughts.

Let your emotions capture the magical moments.  Your camera and your audience will thank you.

Happy shooting…

Martin