A year ago today I was sick as a dog, bedridden and feeling quite sorry for myself. My buddy Daniel called to see if I was still breathing and we got to talking about photography. He had been exploring some photoblogs and was convinced that I should start one of my own. More than just photography though, Daniel thought a photoblog would also be a convenient vehicle for sharing some of my writing. It was probably the hypoxia but the more he talked, the more I became convinced he just might be right.
It all started with a shot of my little girl giving my wife the best, most genuine of hugs. Here she is again a year later; Being In Focus has, like her warm embrace, come full circle. A lot can happen in the time it takes us to make it once round the sun. Since publishing my first post a terrible earthquake and tsunami devastated the good people of Japan, the world watched as 33 Chilean miners were very slowly rescued, the self-immolation of a young street vendor in Tunisia sparked the incredible events of the Arab Spring, and US special forces killed Osama bin Laden at his strange hideout within Pakistan. We’ve lived though those and so many other events, some inspiring and some terrible, in the last 12 months. More than ever I’m convinced of the power of a photograph to change the world. While Being In Focus hasn’t changed the world at large, it certainly has changed my world. I’m so very grateful to my family for sanctioning the compulsions sometimes necessary to keep posting for a year, for Daniel’s gift of persuasion and for the incredible friends I’ve met in this crazy world of photoblogging. I deeply appreciate every visit, comment and word of encouragement and I’m constantly inspired by your photographs. Thank you so much; here’s hoping we all have another exciting, safe and photogenic trip once round the sun.
36 Comments
You are one incredibly gifted and sensitive person, Christopher. Thank you for your words and your images. They definitely influence my world, give me moments of pause and enrich my life. (Beautiful image of your daughter!)
This is a gorgeous picture. So much can happen in a year, but one thing is always the same – the power of an image to provoke and inspire.
Christopher – your photoblog always touches me. Thank you for sharing your images and texts with us.
congrats. definately a fan of your work!
I’m not on as much as I used to be but your photos bring beauty to my life, thank you.
in a word, intense…. you have created a majestic portati with a natural and delica expression, this is really a masterpiece, compliments Chris
Just to say that your words touch me a lot, sometimes more than the photos…
And thanx for your comments…
Expression délicate, good photo!
You seem such a pro in every aspect at photo blogging I thought you had been doing this longer. Congratulations Christopher! Your presentation is always first class… heartfelt, intelligent, insightful, humorous… and oh, by the way, your photography is excellent and inspiring! Today’s post is simple proof.
great light and a fantastic capture
Fantastic expression you have captured here, and it looks beautiful in black and white.
Excellent photo, you captured her innocent expression. Lovely portrait.
very beautiful !!!
Impressive portrait!
Le bonheur est partagé, Christopher.
Ici, de belles photographies et des textes profonds. De la joie de vivre et des moments plus difficiles… Ton blog est une grande fenêtre sur ton monde. Il est discret mais extrêmement vivant. Pudeur, délicatesse et inspiration m’ont beaucoup plu. Merci à toi.
Merci pour tes commentaires et que cette année ne s’arrête pas en si beau chemin…
Chris, reading about your work and family has been revelatory on occasion, and I guess I’m not alone in saying that we all have to thank Daniel for persuading you to share your images and thoughts with us…it’s been a privilege to read them.
And a lovely portrait to celebrate your first year…keep up the good work.
lovely picture and congratulations! It’s my anniversary too
congrats on one year of healthy photography!!!!!
Great portrait, amazing little girl expression,,, Lovely….
Wow, very cool Portrait,,, Lovely Expression from the little girl
Happy happy birthday! Congratulations on bringing this little being through the first year. And, yes, it’s changed my world too. Thanks for being here and for sharing yourself and your work. It’s inspiring.
What a beautiful post and image. Congrats on your first year..and thank-you for the joy you share!
what a nice post. i’m glad you had a friend like him. your caught is beautiful. daughters are a treasure.
Your words always touched me. Happy 1st Blogging Anniversary (if that’s the right term to use). We shall journey with you to many many more anniversaries.
Lovely shot of your lil girl. More beautiful by the day
My blogging style was greatly influenced by the goodness I see and read here. It’s good to get some meat with the eye candy. Congrats on a first successful year and cheers to another great one!
Incredible!
a wondrous anniversary celebrated with the most delicate cutie, bravo ! love her expression so much…
Beautiful portrait, you have a way with words that convey your thoughts. Congratulations on your anniversary!
Wonderful portrait, beautiful and expressive
great work
The proud of a father … her glimpse touch my heart … thanks Christopher!
Nice portrait
wonderful image, Christopher … ahoj
Very beautiful portrait ! Well done !
As beautiful as the first portrait I saw!
Congrats for your high quality work!
Have a nice day.
I love your writing to go along with the pictures. Great shot as well.
What a b eautiful child and soft sensitive portrait. The light is perfect. I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog. I will be back often.
V