Maman, Je t’aime 2013.
Thank you Alison Zavos, Publisher/Managing Editor of Feature Shoot, for featuring this photograph of my Mother, by Tony Fouhse.
Feature Shoot showcases all genres of work from both up-and-coming & established photographers. Since launching in 2008, the site has accumulated an archive of over 3,000+ international photographers and won LIFE.com’s 2011 Photo Blog Awards as “The Web’s 20 most compelling, most consistently insightful and surprising photography blogs.”
Image Statement:
“Fouhse took this photo of my Mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s.
I asked for this portrait, to keep a record of my Mother’s expression when she “saw” me, when she knew who I was. I was not an easy shoot, but he got
the shot towards the end, as we were wrapping up.
My hands are on her head, since the photographer would ask my Mother to look right or left, but she simply did not grasp these directions, due to her illness. At that point, I chose to help by gently guiding her, which she seem to enjoy immensely.
I understand now that that was based on being touched. She craved being held, as she regressed to the mentality of a child.
Suddenly, my Mother has what is referred to as a “Window”; she “saw” me, she truly saw me, and it made my heart melt. She is looking at me in this photo.
That is why I cherish this image so much”.
Je t’aime Maman. xx