She works at a Chinese grocery store in the city. Every time we walked into the store, she welcomed us with a big sweet smile. During the 12 days that MN State Fair was on, the owner of the store decided to make some money by leasing the store’s parking space. She was in charge of directing the traffic and collecting money. It was a hot day when we got there. She wore a hat, her hand holding a big cup of cold drink. She was cheerful. I asked her if I could take a picture of her. She said yes.
A Sweet Lady
Today, we went to the store to buy some Chinese vegetables. She said hi, but she wasn’t as cheerful as before. I passed an envelope, which contained her pictures, to her.
“For me?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
“Open it.”
She opened the envelope and saw her pictures. She held both pictures in front of her, started giggling. She kept looking at them, keep giggling.
“I look pretty good,” she said, laughing.
While we were in the vegetable section, I turned and peeked at her. She was still looking at her pictures, still giggling. A minute or two later, she placed her pictures back to the envelope, and immediately, she took them out again. She couldn’t put them down.
While we were paying for the grocery, she thanked me over and over. While we were leaving the store, she shouted behind us, “Thank you!” I turned; she blew me a kiss.
I was dancing in the clouds the whole day.
That must be why I like taking pictures.
HHC Blog 
Yes, it definitely brings happiness to others..
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Thanks, Roberta. It wasn’t even a special photo. I only had iPhone with me at that time. I didn’t expect this reaction at all. 😉
Good night. Helen
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yes this is why. Some people don’t have photographs of themselves and some people don’t have anyone pay attention to them. you made her day!!
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Good morning, Paul. Thanks for your comment. She made my day too. I understood how a photo could touch people’s heart, making them smile, but I’ve never expected such a strong reaction. It makes me rethink what I am doing.
Have a great day. Helen
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Something about holding a photo in your hand that is so wonderful. I have started printing my pictures for my children because everything is so digital now, it will be nice for them to have photo albums..
She has a pretty smile!
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Good morning, Lynne. I’ve come to the same conclusion. A lot of digital photos were lost in someone’s hard drive. I began to think maybe photo book is one way to solve the problem. Haven’t created one yet so I am still researching 😉 Helen
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For a cheap book (not quality, price I use Shutterfly.. every few months they send an email for a free 8×5 book.. I have quite a few “free” books.. For better quality, (I’m still working on this one) I recommend https://www.artifactuprising.com/..Awesome quality, great for special gifts or like me, I’m putting together a coffee-table book of my pictures..
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Lynne, I feel so lucky that I have you and other photographers to guide me. I have seen Shutterfly photo book before and I am not sure I like it, so I didn’t bother to get free photo book when they offered. I am thinking of both gift and a coffee=table book for my pictures. I definitely will give artifactuprising a try. Thank you so much! Helen
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That is so thoughtful of you, Helen! You captured her beautiful, happy moment that will last forever long, I’m so touched by this photo. Thank you so much for sharing the story and the special shot!
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Good morning, Amy. Thanks for your comment. I like to give a printed photo to people I “secretly” photographed. Some time I am able to; most of times, I couldn’t find them anymore. It’s a moment of their lives. It would mean more to them, I assume. 😉 Helen
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Oh what a joyful story. I bet it was fun watching her. I can’t think of a better “high”.
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Good morning, Cee. That’s the word I was looking for. I seldom feel this “high” in my life 😉
Have a great day. Helen
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I’m so glad you’re overcoming your shyness. This is a wonderful picture of a very cheerful lady.
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Thanks, Pam. I am not totally overcome my shyness yet. I am still struggling, but it is getting better 😉 I am not even sure it is 100% shyness. Part of me just doesn’t want to intrude, you know what I mean. But there is hope, so don’t give up on me. Ha. Helen
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What a great story! Love that you were thoughtful enough to bring her copies – I never would have thought of that. Bravo!
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Thanks, Sue. I want to give them a copy because after all it was their moment, if that makes sense to you. 😉 Helen
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I love this post!!!! Really speaks to us who take pictures all time. It’s that rewarding feeling in photography.
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Ow, very pretty smile indeed. And very pretty portrait you took.
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Thanks, Rommel. I have had a couple of people who thanked me for taking their photos and giving them a print copy. But no one enjoyed as much as she did. It was the best reward I got. Helen
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How wonderful and she is such a beautiful person full of life and it shows through in her photo.
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Good morning, Ruth. She is full of life for sure. She is the reason that I keep going back to the store 😉 Helen
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Awww…..that’s what I love about photography…the joy it brings to other people. It’s absolutely priceless! 🙂
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Good morning. I totally agree with you. It is the best experience I have had since I started taking photos. Thanks and have a great day. (Hope you feel better.) Helen
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Hi Helen. a touching story-warm hearted one. Even when you quit going to that store, she will remember you. I am enjoying your collection of pictures in my emails these past weeks. It’s like turning pages in a lovely photo album. Thank you.
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Thanks, Trudi. Everyone should have a friend like you!!! I am blessed. Helen
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What a wonderful story!
I think Paul’s Pictures said it so well! Loved it.
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Thanks, Joanne. Her smile has become my driving force now 😉 Helen
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It’s a wonderful story; and amazing that photos are a language in themselves.
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Thanks, Regina. We went to the store yesterday, and to my surprise, she had makeup on — first time since we started going there several years ago. So we took more photos and she was happy. 😉 Helen
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Perhaps she feels that someone has “seen” her, acknowledged her through photos, and this has made her life better…?
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I am not sure about making her life better, but it sure cheered her up. 😉 Helen
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