Why being seen matters
I was BEYOND fortunate that my incredibly talented wonderful friend Suzi Shelton, referred me to equally brilliant Kelley MacDonald to be interviewed for Kelley’s phenomenal blog Park Slope Times. In her blog, she interviews a different person each week from our neighbourhood, introducing us to their lives, their favourite neighbourhood spots, their loves and passions. I find it fascinating how so many people can live in the same few blocks and have such wonderfully varied lives. I always learn something new and inspiring by reading about others.
As a photographer, I’d never been interviewed before. This fortuitous opportunity of someone as emotionally observant and tuned in as Kelley rolodexing through my life, celebrating the highs, empathetically understanding the challenges, and beautifully presenting it all in one exquisite document, perfectly illustrated the importance of ‘being seen’.
I am drawn to capturing people as they intrinsically ARE. To let their heart and dreams speak louder than their fears. To embrace their joys, connections, and loves and to beautifully and heartfully present it back for them to own and hug tightly.
We all struggle with internal demons. We all question our choices. We all hope to be something we can be proud of.
Seeing my life and passions presented as a single, cohesive, ‘thang’ (SEE WHY I AM NOT A WRITER???) through the eyes of a professional writer, made me feel … again, for lack of a better word (SEE A PATTERN HERE??) … GOOD ABOUT MYSELF. Whaaaaaa???
Kelley brilliantly celebrates the extraordinary diversity of people and their hearts. She creates a space where there is room for ALL of us. And the more we carve out our own lives, the more room there is for others to do the same.
We’re so incredibly lucky to be alive.
What good in the world will you do today?