October 2, 2013

ISIQ-0266

“You must look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective.” – Denis Waitley

Today’s quote comes to you courtesy of a phone call I received this afternoon. I was commissioned to be the photographer at a renewal of vows for a couple who have been married for twenty years. They have three teenage children who will be present.

Ordinarily, a beautiful event that I’d be honoured to photograph.

On the phone speaking with me was a volunteer for a special kind of charity – the kind that provides a “last wish” service to adult patients of a palliative care facility. The mother of three, and wife of twenty years, was a patient in this facility, and was in the final stages of her life.

The event, now, will be both beautiful, and tragically heartbreaking.

I have no doubt that I’ll be able to provide them with some stunning memories of this event, and some gorgeous updated family portraits of the woman with her children and her husband. I have no doubt that I’ll cry at some point during, or shortly after, this event.

I have no doubt that the value of these images will last for decades for this family – especially the children.

The last week (as you know) hasn’t been magnificent for me, and was – for the most part – a stunning array of First World Problems. Then I get this phone call.

Imagine the shift in my perspective. I am so unbelievably rich, with my health, my family’s health, my opportunities, and my skillset.

I accepted this commission at a fraction of my usual fees, for two main reasons:

1) It’s the right thing to do for this family, and for this organisation
2) I have a skill that very few people have, and I feel compelled to use that skill for good, rather than just for profit

What is your value?

What is your perspective?

With love,
Israel. xo

 

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