I must be getting old. Hearing random kids talking about their dreams often makes me sad. Extreme attraction for money, fame and power seem to be widespread. What became fantasy, exploration instinct, stars in the eyes, thrill of first passions, knowledge thirst? I suppose these kids are not entirely responsible. After all, they live in the same world I see every day, I shouldn't be surprised by the result. I must be getting old.
Still, I am convinced that children can be given keys to better understand what is really going on around them. With enough explanation and guidance, one can analyze the world underlying mechanisms, and deduce a way to serenely navigate between the dangerous mermaids. However, orienting a kid's mind too precisely can also become manipulation: I refuse my daughter to become a parrot, repeating my words without further analysis and criticism sense. Being a balanced parent is probably a very tough task. As a brand new daddy, I sure am going to give it my best shot: show her various paths when everything points towards only one possibility, give her alternative thought processes, show her how to marvel at the sky, teach her how silence can defeat shouts, give her taste for inner reflection, or simply bring her shelter from the storm.
Technically, my daughter being 4 months old, she obviously cannot walk, so I photographed her lying on her back. With patience (and luck) I managed to get a shot in a position I could work with. One of her hand was not exactly as I needed, so I had to take another photo of her fingers grasping around a pen, which I composited into the image. From there, I photographed the boots, umbrella, and the street next to my house: since it was a rainy day, very few adjustments were necessary. The "storm" was created using a few shots of water splashes that I took in my home studio.
Thanks for watching, much appreciated!
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I find myself marveling once again at one of your creations of an alternate reality. Such a realistic looking scene and so much fine attention to detail. It is also fun to see your daughter make an appearance. I appreciate your continued involvement in challenges -- even with the new demands of fatherhood. Thanks for showing us what is possible.
I love your work but the only problem is that everybody knows its you! Why do I think its not your last picture of your beautiful kid? That will make it even more obvious! ;)
Good luck with all the good intentions, Christophe -- they go out the window when it boils down to what you think is right for your kid. You may not want them to parrot your words and ideas, but when it comes to the important things in life, you end up really hoping that they parrot the major life changing ones. After all, you've been there, done that, and know a lot more about how the world works. Wen they're in the teenage years, it's incredibly scary hoping that they can think through things clearly and make the right decisions. You start thinking that parrots may be a good thing at that age.
However, the joy of exploration, the thrill of life is something that happens at a very early age. I remember when my daughter was way under a year and she touched a leaf for the first time. She looked as if she were in awe. It was incredibly fun trying to keep a sense of wonderment alive in both of my kids. Almost 16 and 19, they still love adventures. The still enjoy sunrises/sunsets, meteor showers, a good moon rise and the simple joys in life. All you can really do is set the example.
And then hope
and pray
and hope some more
and in about 60 years, I assume we'll know whether we've been successful. :)
LOL just noticed the mouse by the boot, a typical charming Christophe touch :-) Exquisitely done as always and what, she actually ISN'T walking yet?! ;-) Ah and of course congrats on the blue :-)
This is what I call a catch your breath creation - that's exactly what I did when I opened it big on my monitor. Lovely, she is - and this. She's adorable, of course, and I adore that sweater :)
Incredible work as always! I was especially impressed with the "storm" character. Always a pleasure to view your work and read the detailed information on how you created the image. Thank you and congrats! I am pleased to see that the new arrival is not holding back your creations.
Oh, she is so beautiful! Congratulations on your well-deserved blue. You are going to do fine and are and will be a wonderful daddy. Parenthood sure adds many more dimensions to our lives, doesn't it?
Congratulations, Christophe. Beautiful, beautiful work and your little daughter is so adorable. (I think you should create her a book with adventures incorporating her and that little mouse.)
If this isn't Christophe, I'll eat my hat! The awareness of light always sets your work apart. Heartwarming--everything in that comp leads the eye to that sweet little face. In the context of the challenge, the "I" is obviously her Mom & Dad. On it's own, though, with that title, the "I" is the mouse. Are you the mouse? :D Her right boot is so firmly planted in that puddle it's easy to believe she's somehow actually standing steady on that foot. The storm (water) has a face & two upraised arms. I enjoy the experience of looking through your composition, discovering visual treats. Aren't you glad you have all those years of practice behind you? You are ready for your new model--she will love looking at these!
I'll give her shelter from the storm
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