"Soul Food, food that feeds the soul not just the body, feeds you on the inside. Soul Food."
This is a lyric from one of my favorite House tracks. Lately, I have been listening to it at least once during the day. Yes, "soul food" that is what we all are after in what we do, and contribute. I've become more conscious now about recognizing and embracing it when it appears. It is not always a big thing. It can be as simple as all the moments I am experiencing right now as I write this post at one of my favorite outdoor terraces, having this second Latte that I know will have my heart racing, and leave me wired for the rest of the day.
Here is "Lady Amelie" (Montage) who along with Steven Turpin (H&M, Styling) filled my plate the day that we shot this image. Thank you. I remember saying over and over "I'm such a happy man," to the point where I know it must have started to become irritating. I always do that and become so quiet, not saying a word, when shooting is "magical." I first saw Amelie at a fashion show for Birks. I was so taken with her that I shyed away from her whenever she was near me. I did not introduce myself then, but I asked about her with other photographer friends and the designer of the show. I think I called Nadja at Montage the next day saying that I just had to shoot with Amelie. I remember Nadja telling me that "she moves so well." And in my excitement about the possibility of shooting with Amelie I know that I did not pay full attention to this comment. When I was told that Amelie had agreed to shooting with me, I was both ecstatic and nervous at the same time. I did not have a clue at the time of what I would shoot, but just new that I had to shoot with her.
Ah! Yes, she moves instinctively, effortlessly, exquisitely, and with such elegance. She "moves" even when she sits still. What I found and still find so amazing was that she somehow just new what was needed without my saying a word. It shows in the images when I interfered, and tried to manage this talent versus just letting her be. And you know I recall doing battle with Steven about this gown. I did not want to shoot it. I was not able to shoot with other women for a while after the session with Amelie. And even when none of the images were chosen from the session by the agency, I was not bothered. This experience was a special gift to me, an overflowing plate of "Soul Food, food that feeds the soul not just the body, feeds you on the inside, Soul Food." I was full.
Amelie, if you are reading this forgive me for not telling you beforehand or if I have caused you any embarrassment. You are a photographer's treasure, a gift that I am compelled to share with others in the hope that it leads them to see, really see the Soul Food in their lives.
Samuel
