I’ve always understood that the beauty of photography is not just the photo itself, but the message behind the photo. If you can picture it, imagine it, and feel it, then you have a good photo.
A House is Not Just a House
When we think of our homes, we think of them not just as four walls where people live in, but a place for people to grown in too. For every house, they have their own personality. They tell their own story. What story do you see here?
Faces & Places: Tell Your Story
“Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you them.”
The Most Beautiful Smile in the World
We live in a world where we somehow overlook the little things. During our adolescent years, life was simple. Up was up, down was down, cats and dogs hated each other. But we are no longer children. In this static world, the game of life is constantly rolling the dice. During those moments, I like to think back of a time when the only problem was what game we are going to play or what time you are getting your dessert. But that is just life. All you can do is appreciate it and try and smile like this little girl above.
The Art of the Water
Whenever I gaze up at this photograph, I cannot help but feel relaxed within the sea of tranquility. In this black and white photo, the water seems to poise a precious moment in time in which every minute, every second is captured by the ripples of the water. What I love about this photograph is the the dichotomy between paradise and isolation. At times, we feel the need to escape the pressures and stress of society. Islands, boats, beaches, and sand become our fascination of the perfect ideal trip. While the photograph may not capture the Bahamas or Hawaiian experience you are looking for, it does hold the serenity and stillness that we so desperately need seek for in our daily lives.
Family & Love
Words cannot express the unconditional love that exist between a parent and her daughter. After traveling in under-privilege, under-resourced areas around the world, I happen to come across this spectacular moment of a parent carrying her child. Yes, this looks like a simple gesture, but no matter where you go, no matter where you are, the parent-child relationship is one of the strongest bonds in the world. It is a unified and powerful connection that is understood and shared amongst the two. Looking at this photo helps me reflect at my life, my wife’s, and my children’. Like the mother in the photograph, my wife and I would sacrifice everything for our children. We will carry them, hold them, nurture them, until it is time for them to carry us. This is the definition of family; this is the definition of love.
The Innocent Warrior
As a photographer, you come across moments where you cannot standby idly without wondering what is going on. It is moments like these that inspire me to become an entity of change. This haunting yet beautiful photo juxtaposes two different worlds, a world of violence and a world of innocence. While as much as we want to separate the two ideas, this is the horrifying reality. Millions of children around the world find themselves in signs of desperation and despair where their only choice is succumb to the darkness of society. As much as we think we cannot make a change, do not lose hope. This photograph is not meant to shock you. Rather, it is mean to inspire your. There are so many things you can do to be involved. As an activist, I encourage you to get involved. Having done my own philanthropies, I know fully well how much of a transformative impact you can make on an entire community. Remember, it only takes one day to change a nation of thousands.
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
In today’s day and age, many people lack the spontaneity and genuine expression when taking photos The idea of taking selfies is nothing but a false-set images of an intangible life. As much as we want to tell a story in our photos, we need to understand what we want to say to our viewers. Take a look at this man above. Ask yourself this: Who is he? Where is he coming from? What is he thinking? For many of us, we can go on for days simply about just his morning. This is what a true photo represents. Get involved and immerse yourself in his story.
Boy Laughing
© Jack Halfon, 2011
Another photo from India. Here, the photographer gets a good chuckle out of the subject.
Young Woman Carrying Bowl on Head
© Jack Halfon, 2011
Is the bowl empty? If not, what could be in there? What’s she looking at and what could that look mean?