March 22, 2014

ISIQ-0419

“Yeah we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun.” – John Lennon

When I photograph people, they have an inherent light in their eyes. If they’re stressed, or feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera, it’s harder for that light to shine through, and illuminate their face and their soul.

But it’s there, even when it’s hidden.

I know I’ve got the shot when I see that light in my subject’s face. For some reason, it’s easiest to get out of people when they’re laughing at me. Laughing tends to help us shed our self-consciousness, even for a moment, so we can be truly, authentically ourselves in an exposed and vulnerable moment.

My belief is that we all have amazing luminous spirits which are so bright they’re dazzling. But we have spent the majority of our lives having our light squashed by those around us – or even worse, by ourselves.

My request of you is this: no matter where you are today, do your best to let your light shine. Bring out your best creativity, your fullest love, your most inspired ideas, and your most genuine connection with people. Let it shine as brightly as it can.

We’ve simply gotten used to being dull, dim versions of ourselves because of the fear of being truly bright and truly ourselves. It doesn’t have to be that way all the time, and it’s remarkably easy to do, once we let go of the fear.

Because like John Lennon said… Yeah we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun.

With love, light, and brightness,
Israel. xo

 

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