Fragile Moments

 And the river flows beneath your skin like savage horses kept within.

©Tanya Decheva, Ely, 2016

Two months ago I decided that the time to reorganize my archive has come. I've always tried to keep things organized, but I found it difficult to find something I've shot years ago. As I looked through all the files I remembered about an idea I had a while ago (I'll share it in a bit).

One of the most difficult tasks you have as a photographer is to get the person in front of the camera comfortable. When you're making a portrait of course...Many people are nervous, stiff, even fake sometimes. That lens eye frightens them.

©Tanya Decheva, Stephanie, 2016

Even if you're friends, even if you talk, make them laugh the discomfort stays. It's a tricky little monster. I've learned over the years to speak softly and gently with people who are somewhat afraid of the camera. I often suggest they close their eyes and relax. And when they do their face looks so peaceful. I always take a shot of that serenity. And after a while I ask them to slowly open their eyes. That fear loses its grip when they get lost in their thoughts. 

©Tanya Decheva, Iliyana, 2016

So the idea I had was to try and capture the fleeting moments of this fragility. You could accomplish a good portrait where the eyes are closed or you don't include the whole face, or event there's no face at all in the photo. 

Today I started looking through the archive. In the fourth year of my education we had some free time on our hands. A friend of mine and I decided to concentrate on portraits and some editorial looking photo shoots. We contacted lots of people and had a shoot every week. Sometimes even twice a week. 

©Tanya Decheva, Aneta, 2016

As I looked at the photos today I knew what my mistake was back then - I tried to make them look as perfect as possible. I chose these four and cropped them as I would have shot them today. I looked for some pure emotion. Now I've decided to find more of these moments - a glimpse into the hidden world of someone's mind and emotions. I maybe would try and start photographing people again. Maybe I've missed that in the last two or three years. I'm not that good at it but I might capture a bit of inner beauty.