Bittersweet

It's tough to fly under the radar with a huge black camera in your hands. Once your subject feels a lens pointed in their direction they become more aware of themselves and all hopes of being a fly on the wall are shot. So I'm always thrilled when I'm able to capture a truly natural, intimate moment. The above photo was taken at a 50th anniversary party last summer. These two brothers hadn't seen each other in over a year and the man on the left has been dealing with increasing dimentia. I snapped this photo as the groom explained "I'm Bill. I'm your brother". It was a heartbreaking moment to watch the confusion in his eyes followed by a slight glimmer of recognition. When I look at this picture, I remember the scene like it was yesterday.

Have you ever captured a touching moment where the subjects are totally unaware of your presence?

Comments

[Natalie]

What a touching story. I love those moments. I'ts like you are able to witness magic and capture it forever!

[vivienne]

such a touching moment!

[kaytee]

http://missredphotos.blogspot.com/2009/04/photo-portrait-my-parents.html

http://missredphotos.blogspot.com/2009/04/sunday-mornings.html

your photo, and the story behind it, are beautiful.

[Elizabeth Harper]

What a heartbreaking story... I sometimes snap the unknowing as well. This is from last summer and one that still warms my heart.

It's on my old site and archived here.

http://www.giftsofthejourney.com/Elizabeth_Harper-Gifts_of_the_Journey/Blog/Entries/2008/9/1_A_Place_Called_Home.html

[Misty Sparks]

Such a sweet and sad photo at the same time. Very touching.

Here's my 'bittersweet' photo post:
http://mistysphotography.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-last-photo.html

[Leslie]

Wow, very touching.....

http://lesliephoto.blogspot.com/

[Sue Henry]

A touching capture and accompanying story.

I'll share this touching historical moment which was featured on my blog....

http://suehenryphotography.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/a-final-look-at-the-tradition/

[Marcie]

What a wonderful image!! I bet the brothers will be happy to have this moment in pictures!!!

[Liz//Tipping Point Photo]

Excellent capture.
At one of the first weddings we did, we were hired as "extra" photographers. After the ceremony we let the pro do her thing and just followed and snapped what we could. The result is one of my favorite wedding moments (caught on film, no less!).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2987574071/in/set-72157608368577997/

I also snapped this one while on study abroad in Europe. The nanny's posture tells the story. :o)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2987573063/in/set-72157608536753721/

[Vanessa]

What a beautiful picture and very moving story.

This is one of my favourite things in the world to do...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3384624437/in/set-72157607451011710/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3295305423/in/set-72157607451011710/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3295386705/in/set-72157607451011710/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3385399248/in/set-72157607451011710/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3385457320/in/set-72157607451011710/

[Amanda Johnston]

Your story tugged at my heart.

Here's a recent favorite candid of mine:
http://endlesslightcreations.blogspot.com/2009/04/candids.html

[CDScott]

Those moments are tough to capture. Here's one from my life.

http://courtneysablogger.blogspot.com/2009/04/captured-unaware.html

[camerashymomma]

oh my gosh, this makes me want to cry. life is so beautiful and yes bittersweet. what an amazing photograph to show this story.

[Alicia]

I have a few moments that I have caught, but their stories are more anonymous. I definitely cannot wait until I capture a moment with the power of yours.

http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/04/street-musician.html

http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/04/mama-and-daughter.html

[elk]

Paige ~you touched me with your image and words, thank you .

reflections and shadows of a friend :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammymom/3430920999/

[hi kooky]

Okay, that totally made me want to cry. Special shot.

[Kathleen O./ko2008]

We were on a long walk out on the marsh...exploring all day. The boy grew cranky and needed a ride. He climbed into the stroller with his friend (who has Down Syndrome) and they grinned and grinned at each other. I love to see the connection they have. It's pure *boy* love...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3430946321/

[beth]

my dad, at 68, laughing so hard at his grandchildren and having no idea that I was watching him....he thought I was taking pics of the kids.....I love being sneaky this way !!!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/29291473@N04/3431781378/

[robin-bird]

This one came to mind immediately.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22496405@N03/3109660364/

[kosenrufu mama]

here there is a shoot of some men were praying, they did not know i was taking a picture....
a moment full of meaning.
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/04/cercando-speranza.html

[megan]

amidst the sadness of the situation, this is a lovely moment. i've got one from last summer that i adore:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganmona/2637676192/

[Charlane]

so touching and a wonderful candid

[Wanda]

My father has dementia. It is such a thief. Gratefully, he is of good humor and seems not to suffer, although watching what is happening to him is not easy for the rest of the family.

What a sweet moment you captured.

[Kate]

Yes, I have. But I'm so overwhelmed after seeing this photo and reading the caption that I can't remember anything else.
This is profound.

[Liz W]

Wonderful post and image. A very touching moment captured.

In some of my favorite photographs the subjects are unaware of my presence.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/3226207972/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/3197665551/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/3130166822/

[jody]

Wow sad huh. I'm a nurse and have seen this scene many times. But not in my life...yet.
Great capture of a memory..

[ManfredKZ]

Very intense, nice!

Hope you are not bored with a man commenting and posting pics here sometimes among you girls, as I see that most of you are women and "sisters" :)
It's cause I like good photography and stories.

These candid shots are the most difficult for me to do.
Cheers

[Kasia]

I'm always trying for the candids. I feel like they are the ones that become the most important to us. Here's a few of mine.

www.flickr.com/photos/21072575@N00/3252141402/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21072575@N00/3157534136/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21072575@N00/2837494748/

Thanks for letting me share!

[Jaana]

I couldn't find the one I originally wanted to post, but this was a touching moment for me too.

[Marina]

Oh, wow.

[KL]

I talk a lot of pictures of children, and one thing that is nice about them is that they are often unaware of you...well, that or overly aware, busy making funny faces and rabbit ears. Two extremes. But it's always nice when you catch them just being themselves.

In this one, I just wanted to know what was so funny...since neither of them could really talk yet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12418609@N00/3433396216/

[kristin]

that is heartbreaking and achingly real. what a wonderful (yet sad) story and shot you captured.

[Julie Alvarez]

They almost didn't notice me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3102431147/in/set-72157605263305017/
Concentrated:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3196786703/in/set-72157605263305017/
In his own world:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3437836905/in/set-72157605263305017/

[Moa]

Oh, this is so touching! Tears just started welling up in my eyes... A wonderful capture too...

[sarah]

boys holding hands:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradleysofaustin/3366435653/

sibling affection:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradleysofaustin/3193575448/