The Refrigerator Collective

I’m guessing many of my photos have been on refrigerator doors, clipped from the many newspapers in which they’ve been published, and displayed on the most often-used door in the house.

That thought accompanied me when I saw this family photo collection on a door this past Thanksgiving.

One of my photos is on the door, between a photo of a Halloween party and a couple smiling at the camera. The other photos displayed inside the front door vary from a business card to an official West Point cadet photo, which could also be interpreted as a business card.

I’ve made photos of at least two people on the door. There may be a third, but I’m not sure.

Each photograph on that door represented a unique story, a slice of life frozen in time. The collection, as a whole, painted a broader picture of human experience and connection. A business card and official West Point cadet photo hinted at professional journeys and aspirations, while the candid family shots highlighted everyday joys. This reminded me that our lives are woven from diverse threads of experiences, roles, and relationships.

I stared at the photos for a long time, thinking about the photo gallery's interconnectedness. More than the personal display of a family’s memories, it demonstrated a more significant connection between me and people I’d never met and those I’ll never know.

My photo among these memories illustrated an invisible bond between myself and this family. A bond that extends to countless others I've photographed over the years. I make photos that become part of people's lives, often in ways I might never fully grasp. My photos are in homes, adorn walls, and become part of the narrative of people's lives, symbolizing shared experiences and emotions.

This interconnectedness goes beyond individual memories. Every photograph bears witness to our shared human journey. They serve as records of our milestones and customs, mirroring a shared past and the myriad ways our paths cross. The photo gallery on the door is more than a personal exhibit. It’s a microcosm of our lives and society, highlighting how individual stories contribute to the broader human story.

When we often feel isolated by technology and social divides, a simple collection of photos serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness. We are all part of a larger journey, our lives connected through shared moments, captured memories, and the universal human experience.

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