Reshonda Parker
Date of the portrait session: February the 28th, 2021.
The Morning Of
The thumping in my chest has guided me where my eyes can’t see; like a rudder it sways me.
As I write, and sip on coffee, I see myself portraying Reshonda over, and over, again. It is—in a way—a rehearsal. I can see myself in the moment, directing with clumsy words, making calculations, releasing the shutter; hoping for a connection that shall transcend my limited ability, and my medium.
I do not believe that my interpretation of a person—through photography—is virtuosic. What I strive for, is for it to be real, for it to show what can’t be easily seen, what lies beneath.
During the Shoot
Once Reshonda and I had made our introductions I proceeded to share with her the brief history around the music that would play during our session. I put together a playlist with highlights from the voices of the sopranos Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman, and Leontyne Price. These three sopranos are perhaps some of the finest voices in modern history.
Reshonda connected with the music—and so did I. Our shoot was fully influenced by the tempo, the soaring and flowing notes, as well as the dramatic cry of German lieder. It is almost as if the room became one. Art inspires art.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was when I asked Reshonda to close her eyes and let the music set in. I saw her expression transform in the most subtle way as she reached “that” moment of true connection. That photograph will forever make me hear the voice of Jessye Norman’s rendition of Strauss’ Morgen, Op. 27, No. 4. The song, originally written in German and song in German, adapted to English translates as follows:
Morgen, Op. 27, No. 4 (Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z_8z4Zf-y4)
And tomorrow the sun will shine again
And on the way which I shall follow
She will again unite us lucky ones
As all around us the earth breathes in the sun
Slowly, silently, we will climb down
To the wide beach and the blue waves
In silence, we will look in each other's eyes
And the mute stillness of happiness will sink upon us
When I first contacted Reshonda, I explained to her that my intention was to photograph her… as her. Little did I know one frame would not do justice to the remarkable woman that showed up for this portrait session. The following photographs intend to represent a fraction of “what lies beneath”. This is Reshonda Parker as seen by me.
The moment the music set in.
