This picture was one of those unexpected treasures that only happens when you are at the right place at the right time.
I was fortunate enough to capture this in Soweto in Johannesburg, about 7 years ago while on a shoot with a fellow musician friend. After the shoot, I decided to take a walk and see a little more of this iconic neighborhood. I was lucky enough to catch these kids in the middle of what for them was a wondrous discovery of a new “playground”. Looking at the picture now years later , it’s still one of my proudest “photographer” moments. So many characters in this picture and it’s a spontaneous portrait of sorts. At first , I identify strongly with the carefree and light heartedness of the two girls , posing naturally , in the fashion of most little girls. Reminding me of spontaneous pics of myself and my cousins. Then you have the dreamer to the left of the frame. Wistful and pensive. The awkward character right in the centre of the frame. Caught wanting to play with his friends , in the right hand corner of the frame, but giving you a an “ok , ok get on with it kind of pose “. The two other boys are deep into play mode and the camera doesn’t even bother them. I am reminded of how joy belongs to kids so innately. Pure. Bliss. Childhood doesn’t need a mattress only for sleeping. They are dreaming with their eyes wide open and this is always a reminder that pure bliss can be found in the littlest things.