A few weekends ago, I  had the opportunity to photograph a lovely family.  We decided to do the shoot at Lake Katherine in Palos Heights.  It was a beautiful fall day, with crisp air and lots of sunshine.  Arriving early to get all of my equipment ready, and scout out some location ideas, I started to walk into the woods. As I neared the tree line, I noticed a man sitting at a picnic table.  He was sitting with his hands folded, eyes closed, and the sun glowing on his face.  He looked so peaceful.  I don't know if this was a daily ritual for him, or if he decided to get out this day to enjoy one of the last days before the winter arrives.

 I suppose this is one of the funny things I do, creating stories in my head.  Wondering what his life is like, where his family is, if he's happy, I had to jump on this opportunity before it passed.  This is why I had to grab this portrait of him. Beyond grateful that he didn't open his eyes, I was able to capture him the way I saw him. I felt peaceful freezing him in that moment.

After his mediation and sun basking, he stood up and walked away, not noticing me at all.  It all happened so quickly, yet it seemed like a lifetime.  I hope you can deduce your own little story from this gentleman, like I did. Enjoy!