I am on my trip in Italy. I can already predict that I am so happy. I am a prolific street photographer and I’m happiest with a camera in my hand. I am here for the theater of life. If you have ever wondered how I wander around a neighborhood and what I’m thinking, this one is for you. I was chatting with my friend Donna Urban last week and I really wanted to share some of the essense of our conversation with all of you.
Do you feel the love and shyness of this first couple. I couldn’t belive my luck. I walked by them and snapped a few frames. Ta da. What a delight. Although I often create moments like these with my magical couples it is still a delight to just walk by love. There’s just so much joy in being open to discovering new moments. Maybe it’s a hug of friendship or just mundane boredom. Maybe it’s clear that it’s a post coital cigarette, ha ha ha there has to be a cooler way to say that or the catch of your breath before you dive in - for all these moments I am a happpy spectator with a lens.
Lucky for me my husband and so many of my travelling friends are photographers or love photography so they don’t mind when I catch a quick frame. Also if you’ve ever shot with me or have had a portrait session with me you know i’m quick and can easily catch moments. So there usually isn’t too much waiting around. I also think my enthusaism about photography is pretty contagious so I often help my traveling friends to get great shots as well.
I know for a lot of people putting the phone down really helps them to be more present and I do agree with putting away my emails and Substack but… I don’t want to put my camera down. I want to carry it around and sneak little gems through out the day. It’s also so fun to present my friends with a few images from our travels together that really bring all the memories and inside jokes back.
I hope you take many vacations and you choose to pick your phone up and capture the best moments or stick in your suitcase and soak it all in. The important thing is to choose what lights you up. I’ll be snapping away in gratitude and feeling oh so present.
Until we see each other again.
Arrivederci from Rome.
Suzanne
