I met this really interesting couple last week. They came in for a consultation to see if Larry and I would be a good fit for their wedding. As we were talking, it became evident that they are both really passionate about photography and enjoy making images themselves. At one point, Chip, the groom to be, mentioned that some of his best images came to him completely by accident. Even though I didn’t think it wise to say, “You know what, that happens to me a lot too!” After all, that may not be the best way to instill confidence in your potential boss – but the truth is, sometimes the photo gods really do shine down and place a miraculous photograph right in front of your lens. That is exactly what happened with this photograph.

When I arrived in Deborah’s dressing room, her little niece was practically vibrating with excitement. Everyone was fussing over her, making sure her hair was just right, that her dress was perfectly pressed, her ankle socks were turned down just so. She loved every minute of being the little belle of the ball. Eventually, it came time to get Deborah into her wedding gown. When the focus turned to the bride, her niece plopped down into a chair and sulked. The photo gods made an appearance when Deborah stood directly in front of her niece in her bustier framing the petulant child through her arm on her hip. I had a fraction of a second to capture this moment but in that instant, the entire story was told with one click of the shutter. Could I have ever planned this? Honestly, no – I am not that clever, but even if I were, my posing and explaining what I hoped to accomplish to both Deborah and her niece would have deflated all of the air out of the moment.

So Chip, embrace the photo accidents. I know I do with my arms wide open.