Last night I had a dream I had gone back to work as a portrait photographer. As of late, I’ve often thought about the idea, and what I might do differently and how I’d approach each subject personally and in attaining the shot. Perhaps with more knowledge or proper lighting and more confidence. All these years later, I find myself drawn to the image by the same traits. The eyes, expression and possibly what lies beneath. All these years later. Portraiture remains my passion. I hope that if I ever return to it. I’ll skip the nervous knots that often accompanied my sessions and just enjoy the moment.
As I exited my patio and turned to close the gate behind me. I spotted a rather large creature attatching itself to my second bedroom window screen. Although I hadn’t encountered one since I was five years old. I immediately recognized it was a praying mantis. “My God. What a beautiful and rare moment.” I stood there paralyzed. I wanted to run inside to get my camera in order to capture the moment. But the risk and fear of scaring it away was more than I could overcome. Instead I reached for my iPhone and managed a few shots while marveling in its presence. A few hours later, I was back on the patio and guess who was still there? Yup. that same praying mantis. This time, with no fear of scring it away. I went back inside to grab my camera and attempt to capture the moment. Living here in Viirginia has presented many first encounters I won’t soon forget. Though I often miss the pigeons and squirrels that populate the city I lived most of my life in. Virginia has gifted me with some of the most colorful birds I’ve ever seen. This recent gift, however, completely blew my mind.
Side note: Did you know the praying mantis is known for devouring it’s sexual partner after intercourse. It is said, that the term “One night stand.” originated form the praying mantis’s practise?
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