"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." 

- Aristotle Onassis

The ground was dry and the sun was at its warmest. I hear the chatter of many people, mostly high school students, this certainly isn't the best place to have your friend pose for pictures. But to my surprise, Diane willingly prepared herself despite the number of people surrounding us. I utter my gratitude over and over again.

She put on concealer on her eyebrows and on her lips. I had requested if she can make her face look as bare as possible, she did so without any hesitation. After a few minutes she was already standing barefoot ready for the camera. I took my first few shots and was immediately blown away by how naturally good she is. I always aimed for the natural, always wanted to make it as close to reality as possible. And her care free spirit made these pictures look the way they are.

And right in the middle I got my story, I imagined her as myself. I imagined what I would do if I was the subject and not the photographer. There were trees offering some shade , and there was the sun offering the light. The contrast was beautiful, light and darkness. The world is full of contrasts, and sometimes we wish there could only be light, or love, or joy. And the more I looked into it the more I realized that sometimes , well most of the time, this contrast exists within me too.

So I asked her to catch the light, to hold out her hands and let the heat of the sun flood her skin. I asked her to close her eyes and revel in the moment. There are many contrasts in this world, but I will always look out for the light because it will always win.




Photos by: Trisha Reyes

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