Everyone knows a photo is worth a thousand words. This photo only needs to describe three, “Michelle LOVES cooking.”

It all started with a plan to spend the day at a park and take photos, but Michelle and I decided to go straight for a yummy meal at brgr in midtown Manhattan. After a cup of coffee it was getting dark and Michelle needed to cook dinner for her friends, so we went grocery shopping, then off to her place and she started preparing dinner. I could see her experience in cooking by her knowing what and how to do everything without a recipe, just doing it freehand, like any mom can do. It felt very warm, familiar, and intimate. In the kitchen, Michelle felt most comfortable, happy, and perhaps most confident, and it was in that environment where I just observed and captured a few candids of her.

After looking back at the photo did we realize how I captured Michelle in her best moment, doing what she loved most and was passionate about. Even Michelle’s friends and family complimented on the perfect representation of her. If we had stuck to the plan and took photos outside, we might have created some pretty photos, but I bet none of which would have had the impact that this particular shot generated. I feel very privileged to have been invited to her home and to share the experience.

I hope I can participate in more of these personal experiences with individuals and capture them in their best moment. Anybody want to let me in?