Who are these people in my pictures?
I have shot over a thousand pictures in Honduras with my digital camera. Each night I upload my memory cards to my computer and scroll through the shots.
There are always one or two pictures that stick out each night.
At the public school in the small town of Cane, close to the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, a shot came to me.
I was sitting low on the ground in the middle yard of the school. I aimed the camera upward toward a row of girls. They had been crowding around me interested in this American and his shiny piece of technology.
After a bit, a shot flashed through my mind. I positioned myself so the sun was just behind the tallest girl. She carried a baby. The girls became backlit with an angelic glow.
They stood towering toward the sky, staggered and strong. Their gaze, caught in that click, seemed to have a piercing power.
I saw the taller girl yesterday, but actually she was quite short. I had remembered that click.
I will have these shots when I return to America, but I keep wondering if I am taking too many pictures home with me instead of taking enough lasting relationships.
I don’t want to know people so I can put their picture on my wall. I want to know them,
So sometimes my camera disgusts me.
Comments
Nathan, Don't give up your camera totally. Build relationships but keep up the photography too. It is easier to keep praying for people when you have a picture in front of you. Keep up the good work! You are in my prayers.
Posted by: Emmy | January 8, 2006 03:51 PM
I don't exactly know how I came across this site. I am pleased with what I have found. You see... I am 19 years old. I have lived in America for 18 years. I was born in Honduras, and adopted at 14 months old. I was a sick baby. At the age of 14 months old, I only weighed 14 lbs. I have an amazing mom and dad, a huge family. A wonderful life. But Lately I have become so curious about my past, the people who I resemble, the culture, everything. So...the internet can be very useful. I dont know you or anything about you, But I stumbled upon your (or whoever wrote it) entry: Who are these people in my pictures?" You talked about the relationships that werent there... or at least, the ones that you couldnt fully understand. I just wanted to thank you, Seeing these pictures, from someones point of view, who is, as I am...completly cluless. Its a gift from God, and again... I Thank you, for putting your thoughts down, and using your talent with the camera. I see it through your eyes...and all it makes me want is to see more, to visit, to find out where I come from...and who I am.
From my heart to yours,
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan | June 27, 2006 01:51 PM