People And Scenes – A Photographic Odyssey Across Hearts And Lands
It’s a beautiful experience to visit a new place and see it through the eyes of the locals. Observing how others enjoy themselves, their hopes, and their stories at times can feel sacred, even spiritual. For me, traveling is more than simply discovering new locations. It's about looking at life from a different angle, seeing unfamiliar faces, and accepting diverse cultures.
I recently spoke with a fellow artist about life, art, and the challenges of being creative and putting ourselves out there. Out of nowhere, they asked, “Hey, Sherdley, what fascinates you the most about life today?” “People, I think,” I hesitantly answered. The randomness of the question surprised me. However, I couldn't stop thinking about our conversation later in the day, specifically that one question and my response. Was my response rushed? "People?" intrigued me more than anything else I could have said. Hence, this journal entry.
I do believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, a valuable lesson to share, and a soul to touch, which is remarkable. Every community can teach, inspire, and challenge us. The mere fact that we can relate or connect to other people’s happiness and pain in many instances and circumstances, and we sometimes struggle to close our hearts to their fates, especially now, when many countries and communities are grieving — Congo, Gaza, Haiti, Sudan, Somalia, and other parts of the world is indeed fascinating.
Individuality, complexities, our differences distinguish our society and make life more interesting. If only we could see beyond our sight and borders to realize that “we, people,” aren’t all homogenous, and we share more than we think. We share dreams, fears, hopes, and stories that connect us beyond geography.
So, here are some remarkable people and souls that have captured my heart. Faces that give me hope that we may one day get there. I hope they inspire you about the human spirit as much as they did me.
A Man And His Machine: Costa Rica
When I got to the beach, I noticed this fellow standing next to a car on a little slope overlooking the water. I admired his old car and asked him to take pictures of it. He agreed and as I walked away, he pointed to himself and smiled while posing next to his vintage car. I gladly obliged. Because, as it turned out, he was the moment, not the car.
Photobombed: Korsou, Curaçao
The owner of a restaurant I went to where I was ripped off for not speaking Pappamiento. I promise I was only interested in the view since the restaurant is on a mountain in Korsou, and the surroundings are breathtaking. But then he photobombed me. I froze, but he didn’t move and flashed me his winning smile with his best angle.
Franco, Costa Rica
There aren't many names I recall, but Franco's sticks with me. There was an unmistakable sparkle in his eyes. He enjoyed selling copos, a traditional Costa Rican sweet treat made from shaved ice, syrup, and condensed milk. He told me with a big smile how much he enjoyed meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing his own. He loved Costa Rica, despite its problems. He enjoyed his life, despite its hardships. And he loved his wife the most.
The Connection Between Immigrant: Marshe Nobo, Punda
She was Haitian and told me about her children. How they wanted her to stop working. Her husband and how supportive he is. I asked her if she had missed home; she smiled and said yes. She was kind, and it added more loveliness to the day.
Foreigner In A Foreign Land: Marshe Nobo,Punda
Also, Haitian. She lived in Curacao for a decade. Her best friend in the previous pic told me to take a pic of her, too. The connection between immigrants is amazing. Being strangers in the same land, they are kind to each other. That’s empathy, people.
Foreigner In A Foreign Land: Marshe Nobo,Punda
Also, Haitian. She lived in Curacao for a decade. Her best friend in the previous pic told me to take a pic of her, too. The connection between immigrants is amazing. Being strangers in the same land, they are kind to each other. That’s empathy, people.
Men And Their Food: Fisherman Beach
They seemed satisfied and happy with their catch.
A beauty: Marshe Nobo, Punda
I just thought she was beautiful.
A Friendly Encounter: Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Driving hours from San Jose to Tamarindo, I got hungry and stopped at the only place we could find: a quaint market shop run by a family. I asked to take a photo of their store and he came to chat with me. He spoke a little English and asked about my camera. I told him I loved to take pictures of beautiful things and he smiled and posed for me.
A Friendly Encounter : Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Then proceeded to call his friend so I could photograph the two of them together.
Thumbs Up
He looked happy and curious, so I asked if I could take his photo. He agreed and gave me a thumbs-up and a big smile.
Artsy Souls : Louisiana, New Orleans
Music is the language of our souls. We hold hands and wander the streets of New Orleans, feeling the pulse of the city. Jazz fills the air, making our hearts beat faster. Nothing compares to this moment with you.
A Friendly Game Of Dominoes With Some Locals: Willemstead
I saw them enjoying a game of dominoes and I was curious. I asked for their permission to take a photo and they agreed. They smiled and showed me their tiles.
A Friendly Game Of Dominoes With Some Locals: Willemstead
He wanted a picture by himself.
Wander Lost
She was kind enough to give me directions. Even when we barely understood each other.
A Fortunate Encounter With A Dreamer
What do you want to hear? He asked as I walked past. “Play your favorite song,” I answered.
A Good Shot
Simply a great shot.
Bounty Of Fresh Produce
The smiling street vendor with fresh produce. I noticed him waving at me from across the street. He was selling fruits and vegetables; from apples and oranges to tomatoes and cucumbers. So I took his Picture.
A Warm Welcome From A Barbecue-Loving Family
I was on a long drive and needed a restroom break. I saw this family having a barbecue outside their home, and they kindly invited me in. I asked if I could photograph their friendly gathering, and they happily agreed.
A Warm Welcome From A Barbecue-Loving Family
I was on a long drive and needed a restroom break. I saw this family having a barbecue outside their home, and they kindly invited me in. I asked if I could photograph their friendly gathering, and they happily agreed.
The vegan Chef : San José
Pretty famous in his area. He was enthusiastic about preparing excellent and nutritious plant-based meals. He is motivated by watching more people eat healthier and seeing his customers' delight when they try his meals.
Peace And Love : Miami, Florida
“Spread positivity,” he said.
Stories make us feel alive. A mindful journey is an archive intended to inspire, narrate, and recall adventures and authentic encounters with places and people that have sparked the soul. Enjoy the inspiration.
Sherdley S is an author, writer, and creator. Her debut novel, The Guardian of Arcadin, was published in the summer of 2020.