My first encounter with Liz was a virtual one; I "met" her through her photography on Flickr. I became a fan of her street photography, which is based in one of the most fascinating (to me!) cities: NYC. We exchanged comments on each others photos quite frequently and I rallied up my courage to reach out and suggest a photo walk the next time I would be in NYC. She was game! So, in 2011, we met in person. I loved that day! She showed me parts of her world in Queens, NY and I was thrilled. We have kept in touch since then and I continue to be a fan of her work. I certainly predict a book or two in her future! She's that good.I am so grateful that Liz accepted the invitation to contribute a photo essay to *the gratitude project: dare to be grateful*. Here's hoping you will enjoy a glimpse into her world as much as I do. Thanks Liz... PLAY BALL!
When my friend Jo-Anne
asked me to contribute to her "Gratitude" blog I knew exactly what I
wanted to talk about. First a quick back story, I fell in love with
photography in particular street photography about the same time my son started
playing little league baseball at the age of 6, he is now 11. I learned
the rules for both contemporaneously. It seemed a natural progression to
start photographing little league baseball in the same manner I approached my
street shooting, that is by looking for that precise moment to help tell a
story.
When my son started
summer travel ball with this team and coaches in 2011, I shot through the
links of the chain link fence and shared the photos with all the parents and
coaches. The following year, I was allowed dugout access.
I get to be in the thick
of things with the team and I get to see all these little moments that are
often missed and would otherwise only exist in the kids and coaches
memories and I get to document them.
The shots I'm sharing
with you are untitled, just everyday moments of summer travel/tournament ball
with the same team for three years now, though many of the players learned to
play ball in the same Forest Hills league from age six and have known each
other more than half their lives already. I imagine they will be friends
for years to come no matter where they end up. They have been together so
long that they can predict each others moves, they
give each other hell as only good friends can, they pick each other up when the
other is down and they play hard. It is a beautiful thing to see as a
mother and a photographer. I think I'm pretty lucky to be able to do this
and for that I'm grateful.
Liz Arocena
These are beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us.
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