Sometimes the subtlest aspects of an image speak the loudest. Yesterday, when photographing the groundbreaking of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, I literally breathed the words, "Oh my god," as I snapped the above frame. I couldn't believe how incredibly tiny and yet powerful was former First Lady Laura Bush's small movement to touch her husband's hand as former Vice President Dick Cheney spoke of George Bush's immediate response to the events of 9-11.
What I found most rewarding was hearing from readers today who saw the image and were themselves touched. Politics aside, the shared moment speaks of a humanity to which people can relate.
Betty M. of Richmond, Texas, wrote: "As for me.........I think this picture is fantastic.........I asked my husband if he wanted to see "us".........and showed him the picture...........it showed both my husband and me.........a loving, caring marriage partnership (I recognize is as our own)..........where each person "feels" the others every feeling, thought, etc., and communicates in silent ways their loving connection........where their comfort of one another is shown in private, special ways........such as Laura Bush touching her husband's hand with her little finger, in a private, loving gesture of comfort and understanding and love."
Diana C. wrote: "The picture published in today's paper taken at Bush groundbreaking ceremony took my breath away. Laura Bush reaching out and just barely touching his hand spoke volumes about their marriage. My husband and I are avid newspaper readers and can not start our day without reading a newspaper no matter where we are. I saw it first and it brought tears to my eyes. I waited to see if he noticed and he just stared at the picture for the longest time and had the same reaction.
I will cut it out and save as a reminder to me of how powerful a touch can be."
Thanks to those who took the time to share their appreciation of a photograph. As editor and friend Guy Reynolds says, the response of a viewer means more than any award ever could.