By the time I found myself again in Venice I was emerged in Florence Scovel Shinn books which fell into my attention by pure intuition, as it always happens with important things. By the time I was photographically investigating Alessandra, a beautiful woman with the most radiant smile, I was already applying fearlessly Florence’s affirmations and advices and witnessed them having incredible results. “Man must prepare for the thing he has asked for, when there isn't the slightest sign of it in sight.” Indeed. In one way or another we all have witnessed our destiny taking shape by our own doing, but forgot all about it... Let’s not anymore. She says: “Make an affirmation immediately upon waking. For example: "Thy will be done this day! Today is a day of completion, I give thanks for this perfect day, miracle shall follow miracle and wonders shall never cease." Make this a habit, and one will see wonders and miracles come into his life.” Today I chose to see around me a wonderful world full of beautiful people… And guess what… It really is!
It is amazing how some of my subjects naturally glow with that light. I love them, not only because they make me happy, but also because this warm, natural christmas light is perfect for photos. No flash needed, ever!
“The girl gave him a look which ought to have stuck at least four inches out of his back.” I am just quoting Raymond Chandler in "The long goodbye". I was in Ipanema again and the girl was saying goodbye. She was not originally my subject but she became one of the best ones, I must say… She will be missed.
During my photographic investigations I came to the conclusion that the easiest way to get a fantastic smile is to get very close. Because a fantastic smile is one that cannot be helped and therefore cannot be faked. I would advise, though, my fellow photographic investigators to use their intuition before getting too close. Because what in one person could trigger a smile, in another one could trigger a reflex movement of an arm or leg due to the fear of being forced to give a fantastic smile. And this could have catastrophic consequences on a PI's camera.
