Postcards From Rome ~ Friends
I’ve been back from Rome for almost two weeks now. Every minute of each day has been filled with answering emails, taking registrations, planning new workshops, scheduling, writing, recording… I’ve have had very little time to take my camera on the streets and I really miss it. I also miss the friends I left in Rome.
Photography and friends is such a happy mix! I remember the days when I was a commercial photographer, the daily routine of Shoot – Edit – Repeat was not entirely satisfying. Making the decision to quit and follow my true passion to see the world through my camera and inspiring others along the way was the best risk I ever took!
I immediately realized that teaching what you are truly passionate about is the best job in the world. The friendships that developed in the process came as an unexpected gift. I could not think of a more satisfying way to live my life.
Live your dreams!
~
Speaking of friends…
I photographed this woman on a bench in Rome. As a street photographer, I always look for the extraordinary in everyday life. The fact that she was sitting alone in the middle of the bench struck me as unusual. She looked lonely and a bit sad. I grabbed a shot as she made eye contact.
I waited a couple of minutes, enough time for her to forget I was there and… She was joined by two friends, her body language changed entirely. She became alive!
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust
Shot with the Fujifilm X100T at 23mm, ISO 1250 F/5.6 1/250 sec.
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Valérie Jardin's Blog 
This is a beautiful, visual story! Thank you for sharing and warming my heart on this Monday. 🙂
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Wonderful story in 3 images ! ! ! At first I thought you were going to say you went up and spoke to her. In this case, it’s probably best that you didn’t. I for one am glad you took the risk to follow your passion.
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What a great comparison. I’m glad you stuck around to catch her joined by friends. Every picture tells a story, it’s true. But if you went by that first photo alone, the story would be false! Thanks, Valerie.
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Hi Valerie,
I love the photos. I was wondering if you set the aperture to f/5.6 and shutter to 1/250 sec and used auto ISO to trim the exposure?
Thanks,
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I love both the images and the story! Thanks for sharing this series. 🙂
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Excellent.
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This is so inspiring. You didn’t just take the shot and walk away. You stayed to see what happened, and we got to see what happened too!
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Hi Valerie,
The before and after contrast in that group of pictures is amazing. To me, that is a reflection
of how our elderly feel when they are alone versus being with others. Thank you for sharing!
I am still looking forward to running into you in Minneapolis sometime.
Jeff from Mound, MN
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Hi Jeff!
Check this out: https://www.mplsphotocenter.com/class/fuji-presents-valerie-jardin-1164.html
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I could not agree more with you, Valerie! I reflect on this frequently. I have friends all over the world that I have met through photography. And friends who I have met through photography that help me see the world. I am very grateful to have these people and our shared experiences as part of my life–many who I have met through you. When I went to London I saw Paul, when I went to Italy I saw Ugo, and one of these days I’ll make it to Australia and see Jackie. I look forward to continuing to make memories as Susan (Arcanum, Paris and Rome) and Jennifer (Rome) plan our next European vacation with you!
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