From one single image to the story of thirty plus people and some credit cards
As photographers, we are doing more than just snapping photos; it’s about seeing the world outside of ourselves.
To tell a story through one single image is more than a click of the camera. It’s about being present and open. We search for the beauty in the world and with our photos, capture it forever.
When I first started out as a portrait photographer, a good photo had all the elements; smiling faces, eyes open and everyone facing forward.
It wasn’t until I started doing social photo galleries and fashion shoots, where I felt like I could not only capture beauty but create it.
It’s incredibly moving how impactful a single image can be and how it can tell a different story to different people.
This is because — photography speaks to the individual and in an essence, shows us how we really see the world.
It wasn’t until I met Linda that I fully understood what that meant.
For the last year, I have been part of a photography collective that brings local artists together for a monthly critique show, centralized around one monthly theme.
I become part of the group primarily because I wanted to get a stranger’s imput on my work before completing my portfolio.
So when they assigned the word “plastic” as the month’s theme — I was ready for a challenge!
As I brainstormed with my mom over coffee one morning, I kept thinking back to the conversation I had with Linda just a few months ago.
At our last family gathering, we talked about good credit vs. bad credit and it was then that she told me about the over thirty- credit cards she had, all active and in good standing.
When she first explained it, I tried really hard to keep an open mind and limit my “oh wows” throughout the conversation. I was amazed.
So after that brief brainstorming session, I knew she was the perfect subject for this month’s photo show. So I called Linda.
After explaining the photo project, she invited me over for a more formal interview and gave me permission to set up a camera.
As I walked into her kitchen — I was amazed to see over thirty credit cards, all neatly organized in alphabetical order in a little black box.
One by one, Linda continued to take each one out explaining the why and how long she’s had them.
Some of those cards she just opened, while others were years old.
But all of them had a purpose and all were in excellent standing.
I don’t know what was more surprising, the fact that she had so many or that she was in fact the most responsible credit card holder I had ever met.
Not only did she keep impeccable records for each — but all were perfectly organized in that little black box.
And believe it or not, that thirty didn’t include the ones that were in her wallet (It was estimated later that she in fact had almost 50 cards total).
Linda continued to talk about the credit cards for two hours and when it was finally time for me to leave — I couldn’t help but notice the most satisfied look on her face.
You could tell that she was very pleased with her crash course and in fact didn’t see the interview as telling her personal story.
As a woman who has survived four marriages, I could appreciate her inherent need to remain self-sufficient and independent.
Sure the financial gains from her marriages gave her a comfortable retirement, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to grow her financial portfolio.
Hence the thirty plus credit cards in her name.
So when it came time to showcase my series on Linda — the reactions of the group were surprisingly more focused on Linda as the subject and hardly about the actual work itself.
As I sat there quietly, open to any feedback, I was taken back by how quickly the group was judging Linda and her thirty plus credit cards.
Sure, I wasn’t the only one that thought of credit cards when the theme was assigned but I was the only one that actually got more content critique than composition.
Its then that I learned that one single image can tell as many stories as there are people in the room.
Her story was about strength, independence and women with money — and for the majority, they could only see a careless woman bathing in credit cards.
Looking back on the photo, I now understand the full responsibility we have as photographers.
My original focus was on the plastic cards themselves and instead I found myself telling this woman’s story. Her story is one of strength and wisdom.
Which to people that don’t know Linda, it’s easy to assume a person with that many credit cards is up to no good.
But the most important part of this whole experience was learning that as a photographer, we not only tell our subject’s story but we have the amazing ability to tap into those that see our work.
From this photo, I brought out more than just Linda’s story — I created a space if only for a few minutes for everyone to think about their story too.
Photos by Francisco Aceldo, Dayne Topkin, Yanko Peyankov, Larm Rmah.
