IF A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS...AND THEY DO! "THE TALE OF THE TWO MARK NICDAO PHOTOS"
by: Myx (observerph)
We all love words and how we can use them to convey our deepest thoughts and our highest desires. But, most often than not, words are not enough to communicate what we feel, think, see and want to be. Pictures, be it a photograph or a painting, have been used far effectively in communicating where words have failed to accomplish. Just look at these beautiful photographs by the master visual story-teller, Mark Nicdao. Through his genius with the lens, the light, his subjects and digital technology, he captures in these photographs what we can only hope to imagine of catching with our naked eye, if we are even given the chance to witness these with our own eyes. Still, let me convey in words what these photographs have successfully communicated to me. Who knows? These words might resonate with you, too.
We all love words and how we can use them to convey our deepest thoughts and our highest desires. But, most often than not, words are not enough to communicate what we feel, think, see and want to be. Pictures, be it a photograph or a painting, have been used far effectively in communicating where words have failed to accomplish. Just look at these beautiful photographs by the master visual story-teller, Mark Nicdao. Through his genius with the lens, the light, his subjects and digital technology, he captures in these photographs what we can only hope to imagine of catching with our naked eye, if we are even given the chance to witness these with our own eyes. Still, let me convey in words what these photographs have successfully communicated to me. Who knows? These words might resonate with you, too.
Exhibit A: GERALD ANDERSON + SARAH GERONIMO
Gerald is looking at Sarah. Sarah is looking at the camera. This photo tells us a lot of things: 1) Gerald only has eyes for Sarah. He is intent to memorize every part of her face including all the expressions that show what's inside her mind and deep in her heart. He is transfixed. He just can't get enough of her. He has his arms and hands around her, protecting her from any and all who might want to harm her. He does not want to let her go until he can get to the bottom of her. And yet he does not hold her captive there; he holds her loosely and yet firmly. He wants her to make up her own mind. He does not want to stifle her; he wants to see her grow before his very eyes. He wants to know what she thinks of the world and how she sees the world. He wants to enter her world. He wants to experience the world with her and through her. He cant get enough of her...so many layers to peel off, so many things to discover. Forever is not enough for him to know this outstanding and amazing lady that is both vulnerable and fierce at the same time. She makes him nervous and yet she makes him want to be a better man. 2) Sarah is looking at the camera. She is looking at the world who views them through the lens. She has a playful expression on her face. She knows there are people who love seeing them together and yet there will also be people who might not want to see them together. She is not troubled. She is at peace. She is aware of how he looks at her. She is secure in the knowledge that Gerald is watching over her. Sarah rests her face with her open palm as her elbow rests on Gerald's knees. She is comfortable with this person and comfortable with the way he looks at her and after her. She wonders what he sees in her. She still cant believe it but she's slowly warming up to the idea. She basks under his gentle gaze. And yet..she is innocently unaware of how beautiful she is. She is leaning forward. She is interested to know more about this man who seems to have no eyes for any other person except her. She looks at the horizon. What does the future hold? Am I certain, she asks herself. And with her impish looks she thinks of all sorts of fun things she'd love to do with him, places she wants to visit with him. Forever is not enough to know him completely and explore life with him more fully. He makes her feel unsure of herself at times and yet he makes her feel very hopeful that she can be the lovely and strong woman that he says she already is.
Exhibit B: SARAH GERONIMO + GERALD ANDERSON
Sarah is looking down. Gerald is looking at the horizon. This photo tells us so much more: 1) Sarah does not need to look at other people and to think about what they say or think. She chooses to look down humbly, just content with the thought of this strong and silent man before her. She is deep in her own thoughts. She chooses to listen to her own heart, to read her own thoughts and to follow the advice of people who truly care for her - her family, her God. Her right hand gently touches his face. She likes what she sees in him beyond what her eyes see. She loves what she hears beyond what her ears hear. Her left hand almost touches his arm. She is not totally resting on him and yet she is getting there. Her touch tentative. She does not want to rush things and yet she is braver now. Willing to learn how to trust...completely. Her face is gently smiling. She realizes this relationship is very promising. She is excited to learn more. He has proven his pure intentions, he has been consistent. He is gentle and yet firm. He needs her and yet his heart is generous enough to include all the people who love and care for her and shares her with them without selfishness. He longs for her and yet his heart is strong enough to wait for her. "Does he realize I'm falling for him?" 2) Gerald is looking beyond the two of them. He looks at the future. There is no turning back. He anticipates the future with this wonderful woman with excitement. The future looks very bright. Just being with her makes all things worthwhile. He draws strength from the privilege of protecting her. He holds her gently around him; and yet, she does not cling. She is her own person. There is security and peace in that thought. She needs him and yet she can stand on her own. There is much to accomplish in their future together. He marvels that she always looks forward and always willing to learn from her past. He is eager to journey with her. He has not found a woman as exciting, awesome, fun and yet as deep and inspiring in her simplicity. "Does she know I'm smitten with her beyond repair?"
Mr Mark Nicdao, we can't thank you enough. Your photos have spoken more than words can invariably could.
Mr Mark Nicdao, we can't thank you enough. Your photos have spoken more than words can invariably could.