The Goodness
February 11, 2010I remember the first time I discovered The Goodness. Of course I had known The Goodness all along. But only in the way that a child perceives words before the ability to read them. He can obviously see what is written, but the message remains a mystery. They are just jumbled symbols on a piece of paper. I was in San Juan Capistrano not so long ago photographing what was to be one of my most memorable enagement sessions. The air was salty as the waves splashed against the storm kissed rocks of the west coast. I had just set Kristina and Daniel up for a shot on the railroad tracks at the base of a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The cold November air had a bit of a bite to it. I was changing lenses when I just happen to look up and see that Daniel had wrapped is arms around his beautiful bride-to-be and pulled her closer as if to keep her warm. Then he leaned in even closer and whispered something that made her melt. She didn’t laugh. She didn’t smile. She just snuggled into his embrace and sighed. The good kind of sigh. At that very moment I oh so subtly put the camera to my eye, released the shutter, and seized a moment that few will ever get to experience in a lifetime. I don’t know what he said. Maybe it was three little words. Maybe it was much more. What was said is not important. What is important is that it was ever said at all. And that of all the photographers on this expansive , wondrous planet, the universe chose me to be there when he said it. I heart you universe.
When reviewing the image on my screen I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I was so overjoyed to have captured such an intimate, wonderful moment between lovers on film that I remember saying something to the likes of ”Oh, SO good”. Kristina, smirked turned to kiss Daniel, and responded with an ever so slight “So. Much. Goodness”. Just loud enough to be heard. And THAT my friends is when I first truly discovered The Goodness. The Goodness is many different things to many different people. To some its a Sunday afternoon with the windows rolled down and Carly Simon on the radio. To others its a tender kiss on the nape of the neck. And still to others its cuddling on the couch for a TIVO’d Grey’s Anatomy episode with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s (each of course). To me The Goodness is a subtle look. Its the laughter found in the loss of a staring contest. Its the sun flare at precisely 7:10pm when the light is golden and buttery. But at that very moment The Goodness was a whisper. A secret between a man and a woman.
Becoming aware of The Goodness has made me a better person. A more profound artist. Its presence surrounds me with every couple I photograph. I am thankful not to have found it, but to have realized it was there all along. 
A fellow photographer
Taylor said: beautifully written. Eiffel said: You and my fiancé have been exchanging e-mails about you photographing our special day. In each e-mail you wrote us, you ended each with “finding the goodness…” I wondered about this, and I finally found “the goodness” in a tab on your website. I clicked. 3 minutes later, I found myself bawling my eyes out and letting the tears just fall onto my shirt. I took a deep breath and let all your words just soak in. The moments you capture. Your writing. How much you truly understand the meaning of love and how special it is between two people…. this is exactly why I fell in love with your work. We can’t wait to work with you because we can’t imagine anyone else being able to capture the intimate moments my fiancé and I will be exchanging on our day the way you are able to. We simply can’t wait to get to know the man behind the camera and the lovely words written on this website. You are absolutely gifted. Anya said: You just gave me shivers. Gabrielle Bass said: I love this! The Goodness..makes me think of My Love and the goodness we have. so inspirational, you are! Victoria said: Beautiful words indeed and looking at this photograph I totally get what you mean… such tenderness, happiness and yes, goodness! Liz Evans said: Truly beautiful… Rachel Peters said: your.simply.awesome.wonderful.and.wonderfully.awesome. Sarah Danaher said: i’m at a loss for words. wow. Lisa Wilson said: first time I’ve stopped and read a whole blog article word for word..just once more… Hua Conry said: Damn it, Clayton, I’m crying at work reading through your wonderful stories and breath-taking photos.Thank you.
Stephanie said: You. Are. AMAZING! Phill said: Brilliant writing and fantastic imagery as ever Clayton but what inspired me to leave a comment was reading Carol’s one here. That has to be the most beautiful comment I’ve read on a photographer’s Web site. Carol said: Dear Mr. Austin,You have managed to make me do something i never do…spend hours perusing a website.My daughter Jennifer attended Nikki & Joe’s wedding this past week-end, and told me about you. How utterly amazing your work is. She was right. Some of your images brought me to tears (and no, i was not drinking at 9 am), and i don’t even know these people!! It is now almost 11 am, i have not had breakfast…i had to look into each archived folder, from your first shoot to now. All i can say is, i so wish one of my daughters (or any friends child) was getting married..but, that day will come-as the song goes…”you can’t hurry love”.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum said: *sigh* gorgeous. Kim @ Inspired Goodness said: Couldn’t agree with you more that the Goodness is something we should cherish and hold onto forever. As you can tell from the name of my business, I’m a pretty big fan… RHonda Grimes said: I, like you, have been able to witness ‘the Goodness’ of those two up close and personal. It is something special that God has wrought. It brings tears and a short catch of me breath each time I see it in them and speaks to me of the sacred things God gives us. May we always be listening and ready to embrace those fleeting moments that melt any of life’s ugliness away, holding those treasures in our hearts to ‘warm us’. Love the album! You continue to grow and deepen with each day making you an ever better artist. Not that improvement was necessary but growing keeps us from becoming ‘rotten’ if you follow me….blessings!Every image is beautiful, every subject (even the seams of an old chair) gorgeous. i am so glad you gave up firefighting for the real passion in your life. The gift you carry you now can share with the world, thank you.Just when you think you’ve seen everything, nothing else can be done, something (someone) comes along and creates magic-one of a kind-ness. Congratulations on having that gift. i am so thankful to be able to share in your vision, the beauty you lay upon our eyes. What a feast!!!
Tack so mycket,
Carol Birgitta Lundell Rice
P.S. God i’m hungry