Two girls from Bali — a what I love about photography story
Two girls from Bali. This photo will always remain special for me. Not because of what is in the photo, but what the photo represents. It represents what I love about photography. Would you like to know what it is? Let me tell you its story..
Although it happened almost 4 years ago, in May 2013, I still remember so many details from that evening. My wife and I, we went for a walk to the beach, to take few sunset photos from our vacation in Bali. Usually any beach is just an empty place so we got excited when we found this trunk, which served great as a prop. And we pitched a camp there.
For creative purposes I was using external flash. Therefore I asked a local guy to help us out as an assistant. We had so much fun and we all looked like a mini team putting quite an effort into our work. Which caught attention of two young and curious girls accidentally passing by. They stopped nearby and kept watching us for a while.
Suddenly they approached me and politely asked if it was possible to get their photo too. I have to mention they were both very shy and what seems like a no problem to you meant probably getting a lot of courage to ask for them. I took only one photo because they bashfully thanked and did not want to try for more. At least I wrote down their email address so that I could send them the photo when ready. I still remember the sparkles in their eyes and the happiness before they said bye and disappeared in the dusk.
That was a moment to remember! It is amazing how photography can instantly connect strangers who initially have nothing in common. And make them genuinely happy. That feeling of satisfaction, when you make somebody's day, it is more valuable than the best lighting, the best composition or the best pose.
These little acts of kindness can make a difference. So be nice to people around you and spread the positive energy, because.. and here I will let the quote to finish:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
~ Maya Angelou
Location: seashore, Bali (Indonesia)
Footnote: As I wanted to keep your focus solely on this photo, I will not show you any of the final images from this session here. However, for those really really curious, one of the images has been displayed on my Instragram. If you pay attention, the sunset sky and the trunk provide great hints.
▣
