Kevin at Bestival, 2007
Friend is an Angel
Point of inspiration: Miracles only happen when they don’t matter. Discuss with examples. I’m writing this without an image in mind _________ so where’s the story?
I think of Angelic States as those times when you reach a point at which the outside world becomes a mere backdrop, a state at which one is able to consider oneself from outside of oneself. Psychological disruption is most obvious, and potentially damaging, when it occurs during banal, everyday routines. The power found in disturbing someone during an everyday routine – during a handshake, or while they tie their shoelaces, or as they walk to work – is utterly disproportionate to the effect required.
So much photography is posed, even few photo journalists manage to capture truly natural images.
How do I attach stories to people I know without simply turning them into objects? _________ Should I?
I have a photo now. Kevin is dressed as an angel, outdoors, sunlight spilling over his shoulders. He looks great in the photo, and he looked great then. Iconic. The miracle is that, in a loose sense, this wasn’t posed. He was posing, but not at my behest. I just managed to get a snapshot before he moved off. So, I photographed an unposed pose. _________ I captured a paradox. _________ Is this polaroid a miracle? Does it matter?
© Matthew Sheret, 2008
