Photo Prayer 2020-22 -- Chasing Pigeons

Having been inspired, we imitate. Ten years ago, Kathy Buckalew and I took a day trip to Manhattan to see an exhibit of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s photographs. Afterwards, naturally, the city sidewalks in front of our cameras were full of images like his. Kathy and I especially remember a young girl chasing pigeons for minutes on end, the very picture of freedom, playfulness, and spontaneity. Looking back, what made the moment expose itself was our expectation of delight. If we were imitating the famous French photographer, what we were mimicking was not his style or composition but his implicit faith that the world joyously reveals itself to those eager to see. Life wants us to be its playmates, even as it flies away, always a step or two ahead.

Photo of a girl chasing pigeons.
Photo copyright 2010; text, 2020 by Danny N. Schweers.

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Comments

Esther wrote:
What a beautiful photo and message. Thank you! “The light changes. I need more grace than I thought.” - Rumi

Tom wrote:
I agree thoroughly, Danny. I especially like this sentence: “If we were imitating the famous French photographer, what we were mimicking was not his style or composition but his implicit faith that the world joyously reveals itself to those eager to see.”

John wrote:
Great one Danny!! I’ve been staring at the screen and re-reading this Photo Prayer over for the last ten minutes. I’m thinking, “Where can I memorialize this so I can see it again at appropriate times?” I’m thinking maybe both in my notes on Grace and also my notes on “Logos and Mythos”. I really like the idea of Life “wanting us” to be “playmates”. It reminded me of this quote from Parker Palmer: “Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen to what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”

Pamela wrote:
Danny I love your photos and the thoughts you put with them. What a fabulous gift to have!

Anne wrote:
Danny… chasing those pigeons reminds me of days gone by and how a young child finds a thrill in trying to catch one of them.

Ernestine wrote:
Beautiful 😍

Brenda wote:
What a poignant insight .... & beautiful image. xoxo Brenda

Connie wrote:
Simply beautiful image and insight.

Nina wrote:
Such a perfect moment to capture! A masterpiece!

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