The Essence Of Series

I turned 70 in April 2024. Over the seven decades, I have met some wonderful people. Many have beautiful journeys that deserve to be shared. The people I chose at first were close relatives and friends. Some are long-term friends, and some are brand new. The idea started when I was photographing nurses during a reunion. Our approach was to photograph them holding their graduation portrait. Then I thought that just wasn’t enough; we needed to do more to capture the true essence of a person, and we would need to tell their story.

To take this concept to a new level, I am now including four questions for each person to help you appreciate them and their journey. One idea proposed by one of the upcoming people was to publish a book. He even created a title: “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives.”

The four questions are posed to everyone who has an essence portrait:

1. Could you describe yourself in six words?

2. At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.

3. What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

4. What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share? Alternatively, what hint would you tell a younger version of yourself? 

Feedback is always welcome - you can even do better. Do you know someone we could do a portrait of? How about you? Everyone has a story to tell.