Trish in Transit

Once in a while, my friends ask for a photo shoot and together we plan something simple and fun to do. Nothing fancy, usually someone comes up with a concept and we figure out what clothes would be nice, what kind of accessories to put on, and then find a location to shoot in.

We have a great time fixing each other up (yes, we’re girly that way) and then sort of just make it up as we go along. I’ve had quite a few of these and it’s always fun with friends because you’re comfortable with each other, and it doesn’t have to be stiff and unnatural. Well at the start, it tends to be a bit awkward. You think to yourself, what the hell am I doing? I’m no model/high profile fashion photographer/expert reflector handler (OK I made that up). But once we’ve gotten it into our heads that this isn’t meant for the glossy pages of a fashion magazine and that we’re doing it because it’s fun, we start easing into it and have a good time.

These were taken towards the end of summer when the sun would disappear behind thick, dark clouds and people, out to have one last adventure before the rainy season, would cross their fingers and pray for a little bit of sunshine. Just so they could see the waves sparkle, feel the sun on their backs, and bask in the warmth of a perfect summer afternoon. When we arrived at our location, the skies were gray and I set up my equipment worrying about the lack of ample lighting. I worried even more when it began to drizzle. But a couple of shots later, the sun peeked out, bathing everything in a soft, beautiful light.

I’m laughing and snapping away, calling out directions awkwardly, while two of my best friends run around and bring life to a concept. Both of them are now back to school, burying their noses in books and memorizing medical jargon. The afternoons are gloomier and it’s only in the morning when I catch patches of blue between massive, gray clouds. Outside my window, leaves rustle and thin branches sway with the wind – a sign of imminent rain. But I imagine sunlight streaming in as I recall one summer afternoon when everything was golden. 🙂