Talenthouse recently had the pleasure of working on a creative invite with Justin Timberlake for his recent movie In Time. The movie is about a world where time is literally money so people were invited to capture a photograph that made “every second count,” which allowed for a wide diversity of photos that captured a spectrum of emotions and expressions.
We recently had the opportunity to talk to Sheila Castle, one of the Finalists for this invite, who took a photo in which her grandfather, who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, has “Moments of Clarity” in which he is able to recall the love he has for his wife and truly see her.
With a photograph, I can literally stop time and capture an instant of emotion, a feeling, an atmosphere. The sky is the limit.
Sheila started her career about seven years ago, but didn’t truly become passionate until three years ago when her brotherpassed away, and she realized how fleeting life was and the importance of capturing it. When she’s not busy taking photographs she loves to spend time with her three children, listen to music and refinish old furniture. You can view more of her work at www.sheilacastlephotography.com or www.facebook.com/sheilacastlephotography.com.
Talenthouse: What were you aiming to express/capture with this submission?
Sheila: The theme “every second counts” just struck a cord with me and I knew immediately that this photo would capture that it perfectly. The photo is one of my grandparents and I’m lucky enough to have captured this moment between them. They have been married for 66 years and share an amazing love story. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago and is slowly declining. His memory is all but gone. This photo shows a rare moment of clarity on his face. He is staring at the love of his life and really and truly “seeing” her. If only for a second.
Sheila: The theme “every second counts” just struck a cord with me and I knew immediately that this photo would capture that it perfectly. The photo is one of my grandparents and I’m lucky enough to have captured this moment between them. They have been married for 66 years and share an amazing love story. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago and is slowly declining. His memory is all but gone. This photo shows a rare moment of clarity on his face. He is staring at the love of his life and really and truly “seeing” her. If only for a second.
One of many photos from Sheila's online gallery at http://sheilacastlephotography.com/.
TH: You used photography to create this submission – what kind of medium or media do you prefer to use when expressing yourself? Why does that art form appeal to you in particular?
Sheila: Photography is my passion. It’s what I lose sleep over. It’s an extension of me….what’s important to me, what moves me. There is something about creating and evoking beauty and art through real life moments. With a photograph, I can literally stop time and capture an instant of emotion, a feeling, an atmosphere. The sky is the limit.
Sheila: Photography is my passion. It’s what I lose sleep over. It’s an extension of me….what’s important to me, what moves me. There is something about creating and evoking beauty and art through real life moments. With a photograph, I can literally stop time and capture an instant of emotion, a feeling, an atmosphere. The sky is the limit.
TH: Why did you choose to have your photo in black and white?
Sheila: I think that the color version of this photo shows just as much emotion but I think the black and white allows you to focus more on the emotion and the “story” of the photo. I love the contrast in the lines and wrinkles on their faces that the black and white conversion gives.
Sheila: I think that the color version of this photo shows just as much emotion but I think the black and white allows you to focus more on the emotion and the “story” of the photo. I love the contrast in the lines and wrinkles on their faces that the black and white conversion gives.
Look for it. Inspiration can be found in the most mundane of places. You just have to be open to seeing it.
TH: Why did you choose to photograph your grandparents over other subjects?
Sheila: They had lived out of state for so many years and just recently moved closer to us because of my grandpa’s health. I realized that the only picture that I had of them together was their wedding picture from 1945. I wanted a picture that would show them at this end of their journey together as well. I think that in general we put such emphasis on capturing and celebrating all of the early milestones in life. From birth to senior pictures to weddings and family pics, but we never really focus on capturing the later years. This photo has become a priceless family treasure for us. It will allow my kids, their kids and so on… to know the story of these two amazing people.
Sheila: They had lived out of state for so many years and just recently moved closer to us because of my grandpa’s health. I realized that the only picture that I had of them together was their wedding picture from 1945. I wanted a picture that would show them at this end of their journey together as well. I think that in general we put such emphasis on capturing and celebrating all of the early milestones in life. From birth to senior pictures to weddings and family pics, but we never really focus on capturing the later years. This photo has become a priceless family treasure for us. It will allow my kids, their kids and so on… to know the story of these two amazing people.
TH: Where do you find inspiration for your work? And what advice do you have for people who are in need of inspiration?
Sheila: It’s everywhere! I can be driving and suddenly have to pull over because I’m inspired by a building or a sign or a person standing on the side of the road. I see inspiration in the faces of strangers that I pass on the street. To me, everything has become a potential opportunity to capture a story. Inspiration doesn’t always come naturally…sometimes I have to go out and hunt it down. Look for it. Inspiration can be found in the most mundane of places. You just have to be open to seeing it.
Sheila: It’s everywhere! I can be driving and suddenly have to pull over because I’m inspired by a building or a sign or a person standing on the side of the road. I see inspiration in the faces of strangers that I pass on the street. To me, everything has become a potential opportunity to capture a story. Inspiration doesn’t always come naturally…sometimes I have to go out and hunt it down. Look for it. Inspiration can be found in the most mundane of places. You just have to be open to seeing it.
