“Why do certain images reach into us? Selecting a powerful image is so subjective. There are no formulas. We all see from who we are and regard others and moments from that same, often subconscious self. Of course the photograph has to be build of the right stuff—delicious light, a sense of design, a moment or relationship captured.
But I was drawn to these hands because in this photo there is so much more. There are questions—is this a man or woman? Are their great, great grandchildren? What is the quality of love as they gather at the birthday party? Was the image posed or natural? Does this elder understand the meaning of the partially burned candles nestled in the palm?
I feel an image is supposed to pull us close, challenge us to consider ourselves, our world, and help us respond anew. Instagrams are no exception.” – Lynn Johnson