Every now and then, I come across a picture and it just grabs me and holds my attention for a very long time.  It’s a picture that I never get tired of and a picture that makes me come back to it again and again and again.  The above picture is one of those pictures.  As an exercise, I have been taking the time to study images that I really like and asking myself “Why do I like this image?  What about it is really striking a chord with me?  What individual elements of the image contribute impact to the whole?”  (As an aside, I would highly encourage you to do this exercise and you will see that by examining an image (shoot for 5 minutes per image) you will improve your ability to find your photographic style.)  Here’s how this image speaks to me:

1) I believe even if this picture had been taken with a cheap disposable camera, it still would have had the same effect on me.  If it had been out of focus or had a lot of noise, it wouldn’t have mattered.  Here’s why: the story trumps equipment.

2) With the exception of the man’s mouth, you don’t see any full view of anybody’s mouth or eyes.  Their expressions are hidden from you.  Instead, you are invited and made to smile by the interaction before you.  And moreover, you are made to imagine the wide grins that these children most likely are having.  Isn’t it amazing?  You don’t see them but you know they’re there!

3) I’m willing to bet that this is a priceless, joyful moment for the man.  Does he care that the child is leaving fingerprints all over his camera?  Does he care that the child is probably changing the settings on his camera?  Does he care that the child is messing around with a camera body and lens that cost thousands of dollars?  He would most definitely tell you “No!”

4) And what about the lady holding the toddler in the background?  Shouldn’t the photographer have cropped them out or photoshopped them out?  For me, they add to the story.  Was it a mother or older sister enjoying the moment and laughing along?  Or perhaps she was chastising them for bothering the man?  And what about the toddler?  Could you imagine this toddler just as interested and  wanting to join in on the fun?  It would have taken away from the image if this element was cropped out.

5) And the biggest reason why it speaks to me: I know the context of this picture.  This summer, a group of photographers went to Tanzania to help with Thirst Relief International (TRI).  The man in the picture is one of those photographers.  TRI is a non-profit organization founded by Jim Hicks.  TRI has the following mission statement: “Our mission is to overcome death and disease resulting from the consumption of contaminated water by providing safe, clean drinking water to those in need around the world.”  It is humbling and sad to know that, according to the World Health Organization, 2.5 million people die each year from diarrheal diseases.  Not only are many of them the result of contaminated water but 90% of these deaths are children under the age of 5.  Yes, the picture above speaks a message of hope.  Yes, it is a picture of hope for who would want any of these precious little  angels to perish?

If this picture has spoken to you as it has me, would you consider supporting and giving to the work of TRI in this season of giving?  You can go to their site here.  TRI is doing great work and what a privilege it would be to take part in one of their many projects, by going or through donation.  I like this anonymous quote, “The purpose of blessing is so that we can be channels of blessing and not the establishing of self.”  During the holidays, it is my prayer that we will all be channels of blessing to others, near and far.

Wait!!  What about that Mike Colon DVD?  I bought an extra copy of his On Location in Toronto DVD as I anticipated some of you are not on Twitter or Facebook 24/7 and hence, missed out on his sale   Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment on what giving means to you and/or how photography has given to you.

2) Please retweet this blog post or mention it on your facebook profile.  Thanks, everybody!

From the list of commenters I will do a random pick and announce the winner on Sunday night.  And, of course, you are free to comment even if you already have the DVD

And many thanks to Phillip Glickman for such a captivating image.  BTW, the man with the million dollar smile is none other than Mike Colon

Peace,

Riz

****Blog update: Phillip will give a 16×24 print of the above image to the lucky winner.  Wow!  Thanks, Phillip!

****Blog update 12/7/2009:  And the lucky winner is…drumroll,please…Studio Laguna Photography!  Congratulations, John and Katrina.  Phillip and I will be contacting you soon.  Thanks again, everyone, for participating and sharing with us what giving means to you.  And remember to give to awesome causes like Thirst Relief International.  Peace and blessings!  -Riz