Where There is a Challenge There is an Opportunity...

It rained in Naples, it rained in Destin, and it rained in Chicago. My last three trips have been laden with precipitation. Its like I'm transporting water with me in my suitcase everywhere I travel. On Thursday morning of last week (Chicago) the rain subsided just before I was to shoot Kumi and Bisi's engagement session. They are coming to Atlanta at the end of the month so I can shoot their traditional Nigerian wedding in Buckhead.

I met the couple early in the lobby of my hotel and I will have to admit that I was skeptical about the weather. The grounds were soggy, the air was humid, and the clouds looked heavy. We drove a short distance and then set out on foot to shoot in several locations around town. I was in the pursuit of inspiration. A word, a color, a story, a thought, a building...I often search for something to elicit my creative juices. After shooting in close proximity to a park we walked past the Chicago Stock Exchange. On the way I saw a cluster of chained bikes that I used to frame my subjects in two or three compositions.

Suddenly, my shoe grazed a puddle of water as I was back pedaling to continue firing exposures. "Crap" I thought, holding my camera tightly. When I looked down I saw my reflection instantly disappear beneath me. I had agitated the small standing pool. At first I wanted to keep walking, dry my shoes, and move on to the next locale. But I couldn't advance, all I thought about was the puddle and my vanishing reflection.

I asked the couple to stop and maneuver into position perpendicular to myself and the puddle. We were all patient as the reflectivity returned to the surface atop the concrete. At last, the shot and the spark I was anticipating. Now I was ready for the rest of the shoot.

When I started to edit this session I gravitated to this image first. Looking at the photo above there is a path from the legs of my subjects to the clear reflection. The sidewalk is dirty and the concrete is broken. Very similar to many of our lives. I thought about how sometimes I can become confused and disoriented by my circumstances. I considered how one misstep can cause me to lose sight of my true self and intended direction. However, with prayer and patience God always helps to reset my vision.

My challenge was to take pleasing photographs in Chicago even at the risk of morning showers. I was patient and seized the opportunity to capture a meaningful balance of beauty, romance, body language and form. Some may contend, 'It's just not that deep.' For me, it is.

Where there is a challenge there is an opportunity for your growth and further definition of what God has in store for your life. Agitate your puddle and wait to see the reflection that appears. The key is to love what you see...and to act once given divine direction.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

Where There is a Challenge There is an Opportunity...