Living on a prayer.

 

“We've got to hold on to what we've got

It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not

We've got each other and that's a lot for love

We'll give it a shot.”

There are two things I have not written about in “Snap. Shot.”—-they are, religion and politics. Today’s blog may appear to be about both, but I assure you it’s not.

So, please read on if you would like to.

In just a few days, change will be happening in Washington D.C. It’s something that happens every 4 years whether the individual is leaving, or just checking in for an additional term. 

Last night we watched (again) a documentary on Pete Souza. You might be saying, “Who?” but if you knew who he was, you would say, the guy can take good pictures. Pete Souza was the official White House photographer during the Obama administration. Like any great photographer, he was a fly on the wall but he also had the ability to use “fly paper” to capture some very iconic photos from the time he served. 

Whereas I have no idea how many photos he took, let’s just assume he took more that anyone reading/writing today’s “Snap.Shot.” by probably 100+ times over. He had a “deal” with the President that he would have access during the times when it was not too intrusive—-I am thinking photographing the family brushing their teeth and/or bathing would be “intrusive.” But besides this, he really captured history and that was what he wanted to do---and did it. 

Some of the best moments captured can’t be put into words, but they sure can be put into photos. My belief is, if you like or love a photo, you can probably fill in the thousand words to make it your very own. Whether the subject was children visiting the White House, very important historical events, or even a shot from behind with the Easter Bunny (a comment was made these two had the most recognized ears in Washington), the ability to document without sheer boredom is a true gift. Pete Souza had it, understood it, and brought it to life.

I will never have the opportunity to take on a role like this, but even if you are a casual picture taker, there is an opportunity to capture moments that go into a family’s history book. Fortunately we have many photos from the past 20 years, it’s the ones before that live in our minds. Oh I wish for those Kodak moments.

The photo above was taken in December in downtown Chicago. With the pandemic causing hardship and loss on the streets—and I assume the churches were not accessible—-a minister took to the streets. You didn’t need a prayer book or fancy clothes, you just needed to believe; believe in a better tomorrow and hope. Let’s get these times past us, and let’s look forward to sunnier skies no matter your religion or political affiliation.

Thanks for stopping by.