A Perfect Pairing

posted March 5, 2011 in Portraits

As I write, I enjoy a glass of Tablas Creek 2008 Espirit of similar vintage Christo held at his wedding in the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Christo, a father-to-be this week, will witness his first born hopefully take his first breath this week. Go Team Erin!

I’m nervous out-of-my-mind to photograph a birth. Good thing I can hold a camera with my fingers crossed. I have two OB-GYNs in the family to aid mental prep. Photographing a birth ranks #37 on my 101 goals in 1,001 days. Good thing I’ll just be rockin’ my 24mm f/1.4 and trusting Nikon’s autofocus to compensate for my teary eyes.

The joys of fatherhood I only imagine. Apparently, I’m not the only male concerned about biological tic-toc.

Creating the shot of a brand-new baby taking his/her first breath, to use a sports reference, is the “money shot.” Sports Illustrated photographers know they get paid if their winning shot/goal/basket/ home run photo lands in print the next issue. Pro photographers remain calm on edge waiting for that “winning” photo to appear.

I’m on standby status DEN to LAX, bags packed, ready to go. I heart Southwest’s No Change Fees.

A Diptych is a pair of images or art which hold stronger together than apart. Separated, they lack dialog. Together, they tell a complete story.

Kid, wine, hands, white, ring. Über symbolic. This Diptych just works: