Tell me a story

When I look at this photo, I am transported back to the exact moment it was taken. We went for a walk on Thanksgiving day around the abandoned streets of Houston and found ourselves in an empty sculpture park. Along the way, my 3-and-a-half year old nephew had selected a pine cone and a stick with great care. And as boys do, suddenly the pine cone and stick turned into a ball and bat.

My sister-in-law and I sat and watched as a 3-and-a-half year old welcomed two grown men into his world. All three were transported to another time, another place, another age and before they knew it, they had built up a sweat, playing stickball like there was no tomorrow. They laughed and howled as my sister-in-law and I cheered them on from the sidelines. The lone guard on site sat by quietly, seemingly annoyed by the disruption to his peace and quiet. When they lost the pine cone and the foul ball went into the stands (a.k.a. the bushes), the guard stood up, walked over to the boys, and handed them a new pine cone.

Thanks and giving.

That is what I see when I look at this photo. I see the story, one that could have been lost if not for my trusty iPhone. Since I was shooting with an iPhone, thoughts of ISO and aperture and shutter speed were irrelevant. What mattered in this moment was the emotion, the love, the story. Luckily, you don’t need a $1500 lens to tell a story.

To me, that is what photography is all about. It’s easy to get wrapped up in getting the “perfect” photo, acquiring the “perfect” equipment, and getting your exposure, composition, and white balance just right. But when it comes down to it, the only thing that matters to me is if the photo tells a story and if it transports me back to that moment.

I often wonder how much I would miss out on if I didn’t always have my camera with me. Whether it’s with my fancy camera or my iPhone, I am continually compelled to photograph these everyday moments. Photographing the seemingly ordinary provides me with a way to find magic and beauty in my everyday life. It slows down my rapid pace and helps me focus (literally and figuratively) on what’s really important.

Have you found this to be true? Today, share your perfectly imperfect photos – the ones that tell a story, slow down everyday life, and transport you back to a time and place that are meaningful to you.

Image and words by Honorary Sister / Guest blogger Darrah Parker.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a spot in the Slice of Life Project, a six-week photography e-course taught by Darrah in which she will guide you to capture YOUR everyday life in extraordinary ways. Class begins January 3 and will jump-start your creativity in the new year. Comment between now and Monday 12/6 for a chance to win.

Comments

[hurworld]

A moment in life, a slice of time, people sharing a story, telling a joke. If life can have many more moments like this, would we still have wars?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hurworld/2797759531/in/set-72157607613356459/

[Christineellen]

Love images like this yet find them so hard to capture. The course sounds great and I would love to win!

[Jill F]

lovely story--that's what photography is all about-helping to keep memories.

[Beth]

This is one of my new favorite pictures - my cousin, godson and Nana - 3 generations of love.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14632491@N07/5210923168/

[melissa]

beautiful photostory. thank you for the exquisite offering.

[Tera]

Great photo and story. Thanks for sharing.

[Natalie]

photos make me happy. I love the stories they tell.

[Kylie]

Oh, Darrah. Love this post ... such a wonderful story behind the image. And im a big fan of the perfectly imperfect!

[angela]

I saw that Blake Lively used the same photo treatment on her iPhone with the Bakerella. Good stuff!

[Kizz]

I gave a 10-year-old friend her first camera yesterday as an early Christmas present. I photographed her as she opened the gift and got started with it. They aren't great quality but there are a few that speak to the joy of having a new way to record your very own stories. The series starts here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31403417@N00/5236497856/in/set-72157625412286245/

[Heather]

A great story can be captured and told with any type of camera, that is what I believe while I am interested in all of the tech aspects of photography that is not what it's about..

[joey]

This is the heart of my photography - capturing everyday moments. The class sounds really great! Thanks for the chance to win!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19379573@N06/5239917594/

[Jess]

I would truly love the opportunity to win a spot in this class. I love to experience every kind of photography there is and I feel like I have so many stories to tell.

[Alexis]

I couldn't agree with you more. I carry a small point and shoot everywhere. Sure, I have my big DSLR when I am going to a known event, but it's those moments captured spur of the moment that evoke the strongest personal memories.

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