Angels in the field

Last week I received a text from an exceptionally talented young lady. Name of Lexus.

Isn't that pretty?

Lexus is a high school senior with a serious interest in photography. So much so, she has studied it as part of her coursework.

Thus, she had the assignment of completing a casual externship with a photographer and, since she was acquainted with my work, she asked me to do the honors.

I was thrilled to acquiesce to her request, and so it was that yesterday afternoon, on a cool, cloudy, first day of spring, I bundled Lexus into the Cadillac and we set out.

Destination? Elmwood. As in, the cemetery. It was Lexus's choice. Honest.

Okay well, I may have suggested it but it was Lexus who insisted we go there. All I did was navigate the Raven on a well-known path.

I never tire of attempting to inspire photographers to hone their craft within the serene, near-mystical acreage of a historic cemetery. If you have not tried it, you should.

See? There I go again.

Only consider that all of the elements are there: natural light, an abundance of nature, fascinating detail, essential mystery, and enthusiastic wildlife.

Also life. Just plain non-wild life is there too.

Upon arrival, we made a right at the first opportunity. I was headed for the Sims angel. Speaking of life, this is the angel that changed mine.

I told Lexus about the first time I saw a picture of this angel. It was over a decade ago.

The picture had been taken by another photography student: a seventh-grader who, in order to gain an interesting perspective of his subject, laid on the ground and aimed up at the angel's face and wings.

Viewing the photo at a fine-arts competition, I knew the instant I saw it that locating angels in cemeteries -- and taking their picture -- was what I wanted to do. Something told me that as a field of endeavor, it was wide open.

My camera at the time -- the first digital point-and-shoot of two I have owned -- was used primarily to take pictures of one-year-old Melanie.

Like I said: angels are a favorite subject. But it would be several years before I photographed the Sims angel.

Observing Lexus shoot the Sims angel from her own unique perspective, using her gorgeous Canon DSLR fitted with primo 18-200mm Canon glass, I reflected on the fact that no matter how early or late one comes to art photography, it is of all hobbies one of the most therapeutic and restorative.

It has yet to let me down.

We drove the quiet lanes of Elmwood and stopped frequently at some of my most-loved haunts. The grave of little Charles Frederick never fails to strike a plaintive note.

Lexus found the monument charming. She said she'd never seen anything like it. Like an old pro, she framed up and swung for the fences.

Fat robins hopped and flew from stone to stone, gemming the grass, pecking for worms, flaunting their vibrant feathers. The dogwoods and azaleas were in magnificent bloom. Everywhere we looked, there was tranquil beauty.

We made our way to the Confederate soldiers memorial, the stone-and-concrete platform of which affords a view of the cemetery's expanse from a raised vantage point. I told Lexus that if she ever wanted to do a rise-and-shine type of shoot, this was an ideal place to capture the first buttery rays of sun on a clear morning.

I also told her about the time I face-planted in the dirt in front of said platform, wearing both of my fine cameras. But let's not relive that for the second consecutive day.

Lexus and I chatted as we made the circuit of the cemetery a few more times. We agreed that among our favorite things to photograph are abandoned places and ruins.

We also both love the human face, and architecture. She had some questions about how I deal with the challenges of photographing children. As in, what is the greatest challenge?

Getting them to be still? Ha ha. My philosophy is this: forget that. Just follow them around and take pictures of whatever they do. Unless they'll cooperate and pose. Then by all means, pose them and be quick about it.

When the little angels wear you out, though? Head for a cemetery and practice on the ones that don't move.

It will give you a new appreciation for every blessing of your life. You'll look at your hands in new ways, and your eyes, and your gifts, and the days of your years. Maybe even your broken wing.

As we drove away from Elmwood, Lexus declared that although she'd never given a thought to shooting in a cemetery before, her interest had been thoroughly piqued and she was sure she'd be back to do it again.

To which I replied: Yay! My work here is done.

=0=0=0=

Happy Monday :: Happy Spring

Comments

[irene]

Well, Well, Well, isn't she a lucky young lady to have you on her "wing". I must say I've never looked at a cemetery in the same way since knowing you. I spend many a day there, mostly clearing up dead leaves, but I have ventured and taken photos, which I believe my family find "weird". but hey, I've never said I wasn't. I do know that some years ago when my travelling companions and I visited the Hollywood Cemetery in Virginia I was very uncomfortable, like I was imposing on "their" rest. Not sure I'll ever get back there, but I have been to others, thinking the whole time, that a visit from a stranger may not be so bad. Keep on keeping on Ms. Jenny. You make me proud.

[Jennifer]

@Dear Irene ... You've told me before of your feeling intrusive at Hollywood Cemetery. It's most definitely on my list of cemeteries to visit. I know what you mean but I always look at it as, they are there to be visited and remembered. I don't think they mind visitors as long as we're respectful and don't leave cracker crumbs. xoxo

[Mari]

I don't think she could have asked for a better or nicer person to do an externship with! I would love to wander through one of your cemeteries and take photos. I think the cemeteries in the South are much better than ours. I've never seen an angel around here and the stones aren't as interesting, or old. But I still enjoy a meandering walk through one!

[Heather]

I would love to visit some of the cemeteries down south. There is something about them that is serene and calming, and I love it!

[sally]

Such a lovely young girl, and how nice of you! I've learned recently there are two rather old cemeteries near where we live now. I may have to visit one day.

xoxo

[Judy Miller]

I too love cemeteries. No Angel monuments in the ones I frequent. i gotta keep looking. I love that last photo of William Francis. I'll bet the statue looks just like the boy.

[Barb]

Every time I pass an old cemetery, I think of you, Jenny, and long to wander among the stones and statues. Recently, I spoke to a young man, a senior in high school, about photography and cameras - he was busing tables at a restaurant where we had lunch. He talked so fervently about photography and his hope to continue taking courses in college. Seeing his enthusiasm made me smile. Long from now, perhaps Lexus will remember wandering with you among the angels.

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... I can almost hear the throb in the young man's voice. I wish him every success and I too hope Lexus remembers our day amongst the angels. xoxo