Our body language, posture and facial expressions say a lot. They can speak loudly or softly. Through observations we make assessments about a person’s mood or situation. As I left a local coffeehouse I noticed this couples hands. Their backs were to me so I could not see their faces, only the hands. My focus was pulled to the message of their hands as part of their conversation. It’s always a risk when asking people if you can take their photo and not just because you may be told no. We take the risk of interrupting a serious conversation or situation. Her touch suggested the need to comfort, to encourage or persuade. But, I took the risk and interrupted. After asking they admitted it was serious mood. Oops!

I explained what I observed in the language of their hands and wanted to photograph their hands. They were intrigued about the X-E1, thinking I was shooting film. After a short conversation they agreed to let me take an image. One shot was all I needed. I showed them the image and told them I would probably convert it to black and white. He suggested I make it sepia and so I did. We talked briefly about the camera and then I quickly left so they could finish the conversation. As I left I noticed they were still touching.