EYES CLOSED EMBRACE & KISS

Based on my own studies of the craft and industry concerned with marketing art to the mainstream, I know this one appears to be one of those "art-directed" shots, from some greeting card company's series on young love. Ironically, however, this picture here was a completely spontaneous occurrence, as the girl walked right up to the young man, and planted him one; but with innocence, and an unreal, adorable tenderness. Those people nearby (a town park) who noticed, were touched, and everybody acted as though something a little special was happening, and I feel fortunate that I got the shot. But how??? I had my old Pentax 35mm, with the famous Pentax tele-zoom-macro-master lens, 70-200, and the big flash (thank you John Michael), etc. Had it evrywhere and anywhere I went. I do this now, as well. Never without the digi-cam. Professional and committed, in my own way and lifestyle. That day I was already sitting on the grass, scanning the area with the big lens, zooming around, taking in the light, which sometimes changes with little fanfare, but the camera is sensitive to these atmospheric divergencies, and film recorded these changes and corresponding landscapes beautifully (this was 1987; pre-digital REVOLUTION), this being straight black and white---John printed the negatives by hand---I made the custom enlargements from traditional darkroom technology, including all the many many "tricks" I was taught by a few dear accomplices. They know who they are. So my eye, seeing through the lens a rectangular part of the park, and focusing on a rock-wall I peripherally noticed in the distance, I saw the little girl walking towards the curly-headed blonde fellow, and folkes, it sounds strange, but me and others who witnessed this impending moment, just knew she was going for the smooch. It was in her eyes, if you can imagine. I was plainly fortunate to be there, and totally prepared to shoot, and boom. I got one photo-graph. This is it. The boy is a old friend of mine's son; Helene Simons, who was married at that time. She was quite a woman. She spoke her mind, and glowed when she did. Just glowed, period. But you know...I never shared the picture with her. Not that I wouldn't, but the lesson here, for myself, anyhow, is 'sometimes take the time and effort to keep tabs on your friends,' because later in life---you youngsters out there---later you'll wish you had. Dear Helene, if you chance upon my site, and see this, please don't wait to call or write. I want you to have a copy of this tremendous moment, where the kids taught us the way to be in the world. I'm proud to add, that an oil on canvas I painted, based on this image was displayed for many months at a famous cafe in the early '90s, and purchased by a patron of mine, Lisa Price (who incidentally I worked side-by-side with, at Gold's gym. Later, she turned her own health club into another MODARTIST gallery, where I put up show after show of whatever I wanted). Thanks Lisa, Helene, & The Kids!

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