focusing on connections

I had the pleasure recently of capturing two people in love, I was able to focus on their connection as they declared their love for each other. It was tough for me, having never photographed a wedding before. I faced some difficult technical issues but I have to say, the motto of this community kept me focused - “shoot from your heart”. A fellow shutter sister, my dearest kristin sent me a sweet message beforehand, knowing I was anxious about the huge job ahead “Just use that big beautiful heart to see with and all will work out perfectly as it was meant to be.” My own connections here online, were going to help me focus my attention and search for their story with my camera, I’m grateful for this support. I survived the wedding day, and thankfully have a collection of images, that capture the beauty of their connection and the happiness of the day.

As photographers I feel we seek out and focus on connections. We shoot the union between siblings and adult & child. Photographing touch and holding hands. There is attention paid to friendships, and generations together. We feel the love, joy, and silliness in images, that all focus on our need to connect as humans, or even with a new puppy.

We’d love to see any connections you’ve captured recently... maybe you’ve been focusing on shooting from your heart... please share with us and let’s celebrate the connections this community brings.


Comments

[Audra Van Vliet]

This mama can read her child's mind. No kidding. I have never seen a mental connection like this before in my life. She told me once, "I know my child." A lot of people probably think and say the same thing. I am not ashamed to admit, sometimes I have no clue what is going on in my kid's head. But she always does.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellsbellarina/5185768681/

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

Sometimes the scary part is when I kid thinks they know what is going on in their head, but really has no clue.... haha

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

[Marcie]

I love this image for the connection it shows between a dog and his trusted master:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1318

[rachael]

if we can see past what is staged, if we can connect with our subjects, if we can live in the very moment that we are part of, we can aspire to capture what is both a pure and true moment - but to do this, I think we need to really let go of all the RULES of photography and just be x

[rachael]

above URL corrected

[Valerie]

It had a happy ending, but I recently had a scare where I found myself walking up quite close to a police arrest while I had my toddler in my arms. It made me realize all over again how much I love him, how connected our lives are. I wrote about it but then paired it with a photo I'd originally cast aside because it was blurry. I soon came to realize I adored that photo because it captures my little guy's softness and sweetness so well -- the very texture of his body.
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2010/11/adrenalin.html

[Morgen]

This is one of my favorite pictures of 2 of my kids. They were so cute playing together in the water. So happy, oblivious to me :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearsefamily/4905662294/

[Puna]

What an adorable shot! I have a team up partner and this Thursday, we had an odd paring. My photo is of a baptism and hers is of a snake. We didn't know the other photo was so it was a weird dynamic.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2010/11/team-up-thursday-before/

[Rebecca]

I'm always hoping 'to disappear' during a shoot. I want moments when they forget that I am even there to allow me to capture real moments. I find most shoots my subjects are a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera and I spend my time directing them, where to put their hands, where to look, what kind of 'feel' I am looking to capture and hoping they can relax enough to show me the love.

Well, this particular session. I felt as if I was just there for the ride. They played, laughed, and loved on each other and I followed them around just capturing the entire thing. I even found myself blushing at moments. If only I could find a way to disappear more often.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5188977909/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5188977989/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5189594106/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5189594256/in/photostream/

[Beth]

Just this past weekend, I was able to capture this moment between two of my best friends -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14632491@N07/5189677602/lightbox

It explains better than any words just why I love them.

[Corinna]

Last weekend I was also having the experience of being nervous about shooting family photos for a couple of close friends. The pressure! Luckily they made it easy for me by being a happy, relaxed family and we got a few pictures I really liked, including this one:
http://www.birdwannawhistle.com/blog/2010/11/15/cue-the-jingle-bells.html

[Jenny Dover]

So many connections with my grandma. She'll be 96 on Christmas Eve!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshohemlock/sets/72157624827100236/

[Mimi]

I took some pictures of the Hunt Family during a recent concert. The family of 9, parents, set of twin girls and 5 boys, put on an amazing show. They play a mixture of original pieces, fiddle, Irish and bluegrass. I did not intend to take pictures that focused on their connection as a family but it was hard to miss.

http://themostpreciousmomentsofmylife.blogspot.com/2010/11/connection.html

[Patricia Davidson]

Really great post. Love the way you've captured the couple in love! Though I don't have have much opportunity to photograph people, I sure love seeing everyone's here. This is about the closest shot I have lately of a couple on the beach. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pddesigns/4975747175/lightbox/

[Tammy Lee Bradley]

I always love your posts and how you reach out to share the love!! I love capturing my youngest son and his relationships with our dogs, his brothers, and in this shot... his friends. *grin* http://www.flickr.com/photos/tammyleebradley/5186781154/

[AndMilesToGo]

what a beautiful post and that is a wonderful photograph that speaks of connection very clearly. He's one I'd like to share, my daughter with her daddy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7919926@N04/5139086249/in/set-72157625092390349/

[Stephanie@Geezees]

What a beautiful photo!

[Vanessa]

Thank you for including my picture, Xanthe! That shot was such a happy accident. :)
I want to start capturing more of the connection between me and this man: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lochnessmommy/5146616950/
He was my first love and wound up being the man that I built a family with. The connection there is so unbelievably strong and I love that it's where my whole life began.

[Jamie Solorio]

This would have to be my very favorite thing to capture on film...connections between two/more people.

http://jamie-solorio.blogspot.com/2010/11/playing-around-tonight.html
http://jamie-solorio.blogspot.com/2010/11/moving-on-to-adorable-baby-girl-and-her.html

[joey]

It's hard to tell sometimes, but these two really are very good friends.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19379573@N06/5189598777/

[Heather]

love the image.. what a great moment..

The first image I have is one I actually took last year but is one of my favorites to show connection..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toliveinspired/5189608323/#

And this one of me, my niece and sister, our feet all connected prompted by my little 2 almost 3 niece!

[Heather]

oops forgot to put the link to the one mentioned above!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/toliveinspired/5134638800/

[Becca]

This picture is of my husband and one of our dogs. This dog, Lexy, is actually severly ill right now and we aren't sure if she is going to make it. Since she has been sick my husband has been staying home to take care of her and I can tell how much they have bonded. It's hard for me to look at this picture without choking up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47808744@N06/5176563366/

[kristin]

yes.
you followed you heart and shone the light on theirs.
congrats on the wedding photos xanthe! XO

here is a set of nothing but connections. ones i love.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/

[damiec]

If the top photo is any indication, you performed marvelously!

appreciation for this sweet connection was my first in a month of gratitude
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487105@N06/5137743385/in/set-72157625168587409/

[Kimberly]

Your wedding photo's are beautiful, the joy of the day captured amazingly. Here's a connection of mother and daughter spying on tree squirrels:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/junebugphotography/5168867382/in/set-72157625245442295/

[Claudia@dipityroad]

While this photo (very bottom 5th down) is a VERY old photo -- it shows the love and connection between my two lovies!

:) Also shows MY connection to their love -- who else but a mother would let her babe lick their dogs tongue?? :)

http://www.dipityroad.com/photography/4-legged-assignment

[kat]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ekkfOb0z4NM/TOGJAPQtSvI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/p8GcHLCDtOs/s1600/soccer+11-10+030.jpg

taken at my daughters soccer game. loved how this mom shaded the 2 player sitting out. the mom's on this team really look out for the girls with shade, blankets when necessary, cold clothes to put around their necks, etc...lots of love and care on this soccer team!!

[WorthIt!]

Wonderful shot - looks to me like your first wedding shoot was a success.

My father walked my nephew back and forth along this wall one fall evening for no less than 45 minutes...although this shot may seem like a strange choice, for me, it captures the joy of the moment and the closeness they shared as the walked and walked.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52055227@N07/5189953845/

[Tina]

"Connected for years"

Well, that's what came into my head when I saw these two older couples enjoying the sunshine.
They are overlooking the beach at Sheringham, Norfolk.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenhillphotography/5190795744/

[Tina]

Sorry!!!!...................................................I forgot to say how much I love your photo' above. they look very content together♥

[spread your wings]

wonderful shot
this is an older one but it's one i like because of the loving connection between the generations
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/4787900776/in/set-72157624353537845/

[Chelsea C]

Just days ago we had to put our 18 year old cat, Jazz to sleep. So hard to do, but he was in pain and it was the best thing for him. This photo just shows how much of a connection he had with the family.

And read about it on my blog: http://heartsandscars.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-jazz.html
And see the photo in color: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chelscham/5166172502/in/set-72157624562888930/

[Brooke]

I JUST finished up my friend's maternity photos. I think I walked away with quite a few that I love. But this one shows their connection.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterboo502/5176468797/

[Jet Harrington]

My daughter and her boyfriend are friends first - and it shows.

http://scatterbeams.aminus3.com/image/2009-05-24.html

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[Katie]

I try to catch emotions like the one shown but I'm having a hard time getting them both in focus. I have a Canon 40D with a 17-50 2.8 lens. What am I doing wrong?