On any other given work day I would've been at a wedding celebrating the start of a new family, being inspired by the couple's unity as I captured their love for each other. But on this occasion, I was booked by one of my sisters to take on the challenge of photographing my niece. What a dazzling little girl! She kept me on my toes as I followed her into her imaginary world of "Dora", framing her gorgeous smile, soft giggles, and numerous expressions. 
-- Since I was a kid (6 years old) I can remember my mother often taking my sisters and I to family weddings. Both of my parents are from the same town in Puerto Rico (a beautiful island that makes many outdoor weddings possible). My mom was 1 out of 13 children and my dad 1 out of 16. Since we had a pretty big family we celebrated weddings often, and my beautiful sisters regularly came out as flower girls or little brides. I was too overexcited to be the ring bearer, and since nobody wanted their wedding ruined, I basically watched from the sidelines... actually, I was all over the place. You name it, I knew what was going on! Weddings became more exciting than anything else I had ever seen. The new clothes we wore, the "hot" car clubs, the funny dances, kisses from all the pretty girls, the great food, some family drama, and to top it all cake! What more could you want? -- Around that time I remember noticing a photographer for the first time, perhaps it was his unique style. At that moment I wondered what the pictures would look like. I never did see that album, but somehow I can still see every image he took. Soon it became one of my hobbies to look at the art of photography. -- I got my first film camera by the age of 12. Well actually it was my brothers, but I used it more than he did. Finally years later he gave it to me after admitting that I was better than him. -- Today as an adult I enjoy weddings in a different way. The love story is my favorite. To see the beginning of a new family. To be part of the history, and to have the pleasure of being the one to express that through my eyes is just one of my favorite things in this whole world. There are many photographers out there, but knowing how to use a camera is not everything. You have to love what you do, and be able to express it. I hope you enjoy the art of my photography.
2 comments:
Good words.
Thanks Terena!
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