Gordon the Photographer

``Come on, smile for me right now. Look into the camera, niice, niice!''

A few quick flashes came from the DSLR, and Gordon was already waving his arms at the posing couple to change their positions as their assistants came up to touch up on the make-up of the bride and the lightsmen were adjusting the diffused reflectors to provide a more even ambient light.

Bridal photography wasn't exactly the easiest of gigs, especially when done in full matrimonial regalia under the sweltering midday sun on a tropical island. Already the groom-to-be was starting to look a little ruddy under the chin, and the bride, though slim and fair, was perspiring profusely under the many layers of the bridal gown. Her assistants had to come up to her between takes to dry her up quickly with tissues and touch up on her make up that had smudged under the heat.

Everyone that had to work the photo-shoot was frazzled and on edge, all except Gordon. Despite the heat, he was wearing an all black ensemble---a black skin-tight T-shirt with matching black three-quarter cargo pants and black canvas sneakers. His head was shorn, and its surface reflected off the strong sunlight overhead like a mirror. But in spite of all that, he kept his cool. In fact, he had a jovial quality about him that bordered on the supernatural, and it seemed that there was nothing in the world that could bring him down. Everyone wondered where his eternal joy and optimism came from, but little did they know, the answer was right in front of them all along.

The camera. Gordon's camera, to be precise. No matter what make it was, be it a Canon, a Nikon or some other lesser known and more affordable cameras that he had cut his teeth with, that was the secret source to his happiness. Photography was a love of his, his eternal pride and joy. Everyone could see beautiful things and be happy, but with a camera, Gordon could capture that beauty for others to see it at another time in another place. Each picture that he took was a testament of a moment in time, and he cherished each moment like they would never come back again.

Many have told Gordon that he was a talented photographer, but to them, he just smiled and gently pushed away the accolades they tried heaping onto him. All he wanted was to do what he loved, and if people enjoyed it, it was due to their choice and judgement and was nothing to do with his skill.

With a big smile, he waved again at the couple in front of him to get ready, and they posed as he flashed his camera at them once again.

(Based on an exercise generated by WriteThis - 02-Apr-2014 20:43:02)