12. Second Chance

I had a long conversation with one of my classes today about a photograph I had taken of my step dad. It is a terrible photograph in that it ignores all recommendations for decent composition. I explained to my students it is a true snapshot I rushed to make because I was afraid I might miss a shot of my nephew sitting in his grandpa's lap. My brain shut off and I operated the camera on automatic pilot.

I got lucky that day, my nephew stayed put and I was able to take a second, better-composed shot that truly communicated the beauty of the moment. As photographers, we don't always get lucky enough to take another shot. Ever since that conversation today I have been thinking about second chances. A series of images came to mind. One day I realized that my younger daughter's hands went from those of a baby to those of a girl. How did this happen? How does time move so quickly? That day, I decided to start photographing her hands not obsessively, but often enough to have a second chance to see her grow up.