I am often asked why I love photography and why I’m a photographer. Whether I’m photographing weddings, portraits, or personal art projects, my passion is rooted in documenting moments; fleeting moments that would otherwise only remain (and slowly fade) from our memory. I photograph, not to recreate a moment, but to elicit an emotional reaction when you look at an image; I photograph to remember.

I took one photo yesterday and it was worth it: I took the bus to NYC and brought my camera with me, because as a photographer “you never know” what you’ll want to make an image of.

This very sweet gentleman in the photo reminded me of my grandpa. He was what I would imagine so many people’s grandpas are like. Full of quiet wisdom and nostalgic about the past; always sharing stories about “in my day…”

He was taking the bus with his granddaughter to an audition she had in NYC. During the trip he talked about old skiing trips, controversial movies released 30 years ago, the war, and our current economic crisis. At one point when we were on the outskirts of the City he commented, “Do you know how many times these buildings have been torn down and rebuilt?” Rhetorical of course, but fascinating at the same time. As he looked out the window of the bus he commented, “I keep thinking we’re traveling by train until I see cars go by.” To see the world through his eyes would be amazing.

I caught myself smiling a lot during our trip as I watched how he interacted with his granddaughter. I hope she finds his random stories and words just as endearing as I found them. I miss my grandpa.

I took this photo yesterday and it was worth it.