As I was looking through the news this morning, I was struck by a new short film by Tatia Pilieva in which she filmed 20 complete strangers who are asked to kiss. The situation is notably awkward, but the kisses were sweet and sincere– and filled (oddly enough) with emotion.

I believe it is my job as a photographer to photograph not necessarily what it looked like to be there, but what it felt like to be there. In essence, to capture the emotion of the moment in a single frame. It is challenging, naturally, but it is pure magic when you see it. This short film did an absolutely beautiful job of capturing what it felt like to be there.

Photographer Annie Liebovitz was recently interviewed for the Fast Company blog and she quoted a New Republic article which said, “…photography came along long before we had the equipment.” In essence, we have been trying to capture the emotion of a fleeting moment for as long as there have been people. Photography, then, is not about lights, shutter speeds, and f-stops (well, not really) but instead is about capturing memories, clear and simple. Whether you use your iPhone, your point-and-shoot, or hire a pro, the point is to capture the moments and the people that mean the most to you.

My challenge to you is this: Go back through your digitals this week and find at least one picture that brings back a great memory for you, and then print it. If it is one you already have digitally, it should be pretty straight forward. If it is an old photo from the shoebox, then send it to my friends at ScanCafe and they will digitize it with all the TLC needed (they can even restore it for you, if needed). I guarantee the activity will leave you with a smile on your face, and a great memory around you for the years to come!