I've been thinking alot about reality tv here lately. Don't ask me why. I think at one time the whole world was fascinated by watching someone else's life unfold on television. The emotions, the happiness, the sadness, we just couldn't stop watching. Then we find out that most of those "reality" tv shows were scripted. Whose life isn't more interesting with a little pizazz right? Makes for good tv. Every morning at 6:00 and 6:30, I watch Gene Simmon's Family Jewels. Its obvious that the show is scripted but I still like to watch it and I don't watch much tv at all. If you think about it most of our lives are scripted anyway so I don't really see what the big deal is. I like to watch it because Mr Simmons and I both have hair brain ideas sometimes and get bombed out when they don't work. But you have to bomb a few times to get to greatness. I'm waiting....
So all of this brain knocking got me thinking about true reality. The kind of reality I get to photograph. Photographing weddings for example; a true reality. The beginning of their lives together. Seeing the mother cry, the bride's father looking more nervous than anyone in the room and that take your breath away moment when she walks down the isle. That is reality. They will soon start their own families and one day give their own daughter away in a similar church. I was there. I got to see it.
Or how about engagement sessions? Some couples act as if I am not even there. Some so giddy from being in love and boasting about their expectations for the big day. Telling me how they met. How he knew she was the one. I was there. I got to see the big grins when no one was looking and the stolen kisses when I was checking my lighting.
How about boudoir? The ladies grin and grin. They talking about real issues with their bodies. What they really like about it and dislike. We talk about him and how wonderful he is. We talk about their careers, the things that make them feel young and I realize there are truly beautiful people in this world. I was there. I heard her say I made her feel beautiful.
Children's photography is special. Very special. I can hear mom and dad laughing over and over behind my back. Trying to get out that smile. I hear them call her a pretty girl or a big boy and the child just looks at mom like she is the best person in the world. Dad gets special looks and grins much more different than mom does. I was there. I saw the big smiles when mom brings out their favorite toy.
There has been something special about every session I have done. The seniors will one day go on to another phase in their life and the family sessions will one day change so much I hope they can look back and see what they use to be.
I see reality everyday and I am glad I run my own television show. Yes some of it may be scripted but it still far more a reality than what we see on tv. Tomorrow a true reality will be documented. My first child birth. I will be one of the first people to see a little girl brought into this world. That is reality.
I couldn't find a song about reality but I did find one good one by U2 that was on the Reality Bites soundtrack. You may thank me for the jam... Until then
Keep realizing we are life, we are love, we are reality.
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