When I first heard about this week’s weekly-photo-challenge theme-joy I immediately thought about the image above. (please see more text below)
I shot this photo earlier in my career while working for a local community newspaper in Virginia.
Love Birds? Please check out my recent “Best of” post on the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.
When space in the paper allowed, we would run stand alone feature art, photos that did not have a larger story attached to them. “Shooting wild art” as it was referred to was a lot of fun. It gave the photographers at our paper free reign to shoot pretty much anyone or any subject they wanted.
Of course there were always deadlines to meet so on some days you might need to track down a good feature photo on pretty short notice, sandwiched in between photos you were taking for other stories being covered in that week’s edition.
I always had a list of places on hand that I knew would provide good opportunities for features. On the particular day this photo was taken a local park was at the top of my list. It was a warm summer afternoon so many people were enjoying the outdoors.
After a few minutes I zoned in on this guy playing with his dog and having a great time. I got on the ground so I was shooting at their level and as I began to start taking pictures the dog buried his nose in the man’s 7-Eleven cup. Bingo!
This photo has always stuck with me as the expression on the guy’s face just looks as he is having the greatest day of his life and does not have a care in the world. Pure Joy!
Thanks so much for dropping by today.
Rob
Related articles
- Weekly Photo Challenge: One (hereandthere5.wordpress.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Joy (dailypost.wordpress.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Community (smkelly8.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge : One (iseebeautyallaround.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge: One (irenewaters19.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge: One (smkelly8.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge: One (beijingcityphoto.wordpress.com)
- Weekly Photo Challenge One: A Real Green Man (piecesofstarlight.wordpress.com)
I See Beauty All Around 
“Shooting wild art” – love that! I think that’s what I do since I’m not professional at it in any sort of way. I just capture what makes me happy.
LikeLike
That is the name of the game. I have critiqued a lot of portfolios and judged a lot of contests but at the end of the day I always tell people on some level you need to shoot photos for yourself and develop your own style and enjoy it. There are a lot of photos over the years I have shot that were not popular or did not win contests, but they meant a lot to me and I had fun creating them.
LikeLike
I love this photo!
LikeLike
Thank you !
LikeLike
This is pure joy …. First I thought it was a very young Brad Pitt – this such a brilliant feel good photo. It shows that you’re professional.
LikeLike
Excellent moment and shot. Love that it’s in BW too!
LikeLike
thanks for your kind words, Rob
LikeLike
Love that you shot it in black and white
LikeLike
Now, THAT is joy! 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful. You definitely captured the moment!
LikeLike
full of joy!
LikeLike
Excellent, Rob.
janet
LikeLike
Fresh…
LikeLike
I agree…pure joy, but then animals can bring that out in people! wonderful photo Rob…
LikeLike
That is pure joy in his face !! Love it!
LikeLike
Great photo. Love it!
LikeLike
Brilliant!! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, DELIGHTFUL, Rob!! 😀
LikeLike