Maine. A place that has always felt like coming up for air. I think a part of me has always been here, somewhere along the coast of Maine, enveloped by a blanket of fog and staring toward the horizon. It is this feeling that grounds me, inspires me, calms me.
This particular evening during my visit last month there was a break in the rain, the sun had just gone down and our little coastal town was painted a perfect grey. I walked down from our rental to the rocky beach and soaked up the stillness of this place, the sounds of the water reaching toward my feet, wishing I could carry it with me when I left. As I turned to head back to the house I spotted these two. Their connection was the first thing to catch my eye, her flowing hair the second. I knew I wanted them in front of my lens, but approaching strangers is something I have never thought myself capable of. I pushed the thought out of my head and continued walking.
I took a deep breath. Stopped. I'll regret not doing it. There's nothing to lose.
My feet pivot. The worst they can say is no. Deep breath. Here goes.
They looked at each other like they were falling in love for the first time. Turns out, they had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Capturing the connection between two lovers is hands down, my favorite part of what I do. Perhaps a part of that is because I have found such a great love myself, someone who feels like home, someone who, like Maine for me, feels like coming up for fresh air.
The photo above is one of my favorite yet, and it is one that I am proud of. I did something I didn't think I could do, and because of that I am a better and more confident artist. If there is something out of your comfort zone that you have wanted to do but avoided, I encouraged you to do it. Stop doubting yourself, stop making excuses, just do it.
“Have you ever known a love that transcends reason, distance, and time? A love so profound you could never be convinced it wasn’t destined before you existed? Something so real that you can taste the difference in a kiss and touch it on bare skin? If you don’t know this love, then keep searching, because you are meant to. ”
