This was a rather unusual shoot. The woman called asking if I could fit her in last minute as she was returning in a few days to Iraq where she currently lives and works. In her sixties, she left a husband and grown children to take a job in Iraq 3 years ago after losing her job here in the US. She explained that instead of her family relentlessly chasing her around with cameras during her short visit, she wanted a professional to take portraits as a gift to those she loves.

Within minutes of meeting we were engaged in conversation not typical for two adults who knew nothing of each other prior. I found her openness and honesty in expressing the experiences in living such a foreign life to what she’d known before to be refreshing. While it was incredible to hear of the sacrifices the dramatic lifestyle change required of her, I was most curious to learn of the unexpected rewards it offered.

An absolutely fresh perspective had infused her with renewed passion and appreciation for life. Relationships perhaps taken for granted prior were treasured more, and treated with greater reverence. Living in a stark, dangerous, and predominately bleak environment was teaching her that the only thing she had to work with to improve conditions would be the power of her thoughts.

We only spent an hour or so together, but I’ve thought of her frequently since the shoot. I’m reminded of the rich material for awakening we’re given when offered a broader perspective. Little things take on greater significance. She’d told me about the total absence of trees where she is in Iraq, and I’ve noticed that each time I’ve walked out my front door since I’m stopped cold in awe of the grand oaks that surround my home. I’ve always loved them, but it seems that I’m seeing them fresh--as if they just arrived.

Isn’t it interesting that a brief conversation with a stranger can cause one to see something that’s been in front of them for ages just a little bit differently?



~Cynthia