Walking through the woods near Kyoto, Japan, I came across a small square sanctuary. It was maybe 50 feet down each side, with a hollow center that was open to the sky. As I slid the paper door to the side to enter, I locked eyes with the only individual there. He was a man in his 30’s, dressed in all the proper clothing of a monk. Haircut included. In the center of this tiny oasis was a rock garden that this gentleman was tending. With wonderful flowing patterns throughout the sands, this man was very much in his element. I eased myself into a sitting position on the floor, as there was no furniture around, and then locked eyes with the man once more. This time, we both nodded slowly to each other.
Over the course of the next hour, not a word was spoken by either of us. Unsure if either of us would understand each other, or maybe just knowing that this was better than conversation, we both just, listened. After the 60 minutes had come and gone, I decided to continue my travels. As I stood up, we locked eyes again. Again we nodded. But then, for the briefest of moments, we understood each other.
This is what, I believe, photography brings to the world. It has the ability to communicate every human emotion, silently, but flawlessly.
You just need to be present.