I was a few steps away from curling up with sweat pants and a good book in my little apartment in Florence, Italy
when a small voice in my heart told me to take out my camera and turn down an alleyway.
I'm not really a "meander down dark alleys at night for funzies" kind of gal, but I couldn't shake it. . 
Sighing (and a little peeved), I pulled my camera out of my backpack with frozen fingers and retraced my steps in the dark.

Suddenly as I turned down the road, a woman about 70 years old emerged from the shadows.  Walking as if every step demanded concentrated effort- eyes locked on the cobblestones, brows furrow and fists clenched. 
We were the only ones on the street and I knew I'd turned around for her.

"Ciao! Tu Bella!" I said waving nervously.  "May I take your photo?"

Slowing, the woman looked over her shoulder, before meeting my gaze.  
"Me?" She asked softly, finger pointing to her chest.  "Bella?" 
Smiling, I nodded. "Si!"
 
She paused and for a moment, looked down. This time, when her eyes met mine, they were full of tears.
Stopping just a few feet away, she pulled her shoulders back and smiled-
 just long enough for me to capture two shaky frames. She was radiant.
"Grazie." I whispered.

She nodded and continued walking, whispering "Me..Bella." on her way. 

People ask why I got into photography...  It's because after she left, I stood in that alley knowing I'd remember this moment for the rest of my life.  There's something powerful that happens when we feel truly seen-
when someone else notices the beauty & depth of who we are, and the weight of what we carry. 

For the past 10 years I'm so grateful to have had the honor of watching these moments of, "that's me!?" and "I didn't know I could feel this beautiful." happen again and again in weddings, portraits and with strangers all over the world.  

xoxo, Kristine