Self Portrait, Photo

Compelling Image

I chose this photo. It probably wouldn't be here in the blog post if I hadn't.
It is striking. If not for the eye contact of the lone blonde beauty, then certainly the tile pattern that establishes a striking grid layout for the entire image. This is taking place in some sort of 1950's-60's airport. Out of any location, an airport is one that gives its inhabitants purpose. You're either going or coming, anticipating always. Several modes of transportation are involved, and all contribute to the final goal: to finally arrive where you've been headed. A plethora of tasks, facts, and interactions are involved. This culmination may or may not include a Cinnamon Pretzel from Auntie Anne's, a bathroom break, and an OCD double-check for the listing of your gate.
Everyone here in this photo has an agenda. They are mid being reunited with loved ones. Several are pursuing others in their company with cumbersome luggage. Many are reading or checking screens. One man looks like he's about to tie his laces and NOT run the risk of it getting stuck in the escalator.

And yet, she. She, who has broken the mold of purpose, haste, anticipation. Whatever task is on her plate, it's on the back burner right now. She stares upward, with that reaction in to the camera lens. It is incredible, and the bottom right focal point couldn't have been nailed more perfectly.   

I think the photo denotes a sense of observance that we often times feel we, too, possess. We have this ability to see the unnoticed, to care about the hidden things that this life has to offer. We as participants and competitors in life have a quality that says, "I'm not going to take everything at face value." There indeed, is more to this existence, and if it brings out the paranoid parakeet in me, by all means, it's WORTH IT. Life moves pretty fast sometimes. If you don't stop and look around every once in a while, well Ferris? 

You might miss it.