A lifetime - Insha'Allah

She was sleeping. It took me a while going back and forth with myself as to whether I should even take the photograph. I felt conflicted - I kept thinking: what if she wakes up and how would I explain and how rude!? of me if I did and she woke up to find me photographing her. I decided in the end that I would. I guess I risked it. It was such an intimate moment and I wanted to keep it. She had obviously fallen asleep in her chair, in a second hand shop I frequent. Her granddaughter, who runs the shop, was sitting outside and across the street so we were alone. She woke up a little while later. We chatted for a bit. She had just been to the day hospital and was waiting on her son to come and pick her up and she was quite frustrated she couldn't go home yet. I still can't say why I did it or what I would do if anyone walked into the shop. I'd definitely feel so embarrassed and ashamed. I mean, photography is about wanting to keep a moment for forever. I wanted this moment but at what expense? There must always be respect for the subject and a point at which you say, maybe not this one.

wow.

Beautiful image.

I know how you feel though....I battle to do the candid, street style photography. I feel like I'm imposing on a life that isn't mine. That I'm looking through a window that should be closed.

thanks for the encouragement guys. I appreciate the feedback and your sharing how you find this dance we do with others and our camera....

if u hadnt taken the risk this beautiful mark wouldnt have been made, if its wrong u feel it, the pic tells a story, ur story... yet is calm and sensitive, :) i dig

That's a great shot. incredible hands