Missing Dad ‹ Daily Photo Game

Missing Dad

Posted on March 19, 2019

by Russ Widstrand

18

Russ Widstrand “Missing Dad” 03/19/19

This image has dual meanings for me, one resides in the title as an homage to my father, the other is my own life journey without children. The latter creeps into my photography every once in a while.

The image, subtle in its visual connundrum, was taken at Multnomah Falls in Oregon. What I like about it are the reflections of the nuclear family including Dad pushing a baby carriage, but in the “real” world he is missing. These silhouetted spectors strike me as reflective paradoxes – alternate timelines – things that could have been but were never manifested, as was my own fatherhood.

I had always liked the reflective repetition of the figures on the glossy tiles and had hoped to find a home for it someday. Today, the image has taken on a new meaning for me.

18 Comments for Missing Dad

Robert Lesher

My story is much like this one that rises off this photo, although I gained a wonderful Stepfather at age 12, and I do have a daughter, but have never experienced fatherhood, much due to circumstances, and choices of my own. Still, as in this photo, these very quiet realizations are all around me on a daily basis. I could see Russ’s piece on the cover of a poetry collection.

Russ Widstrand

Robert, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I love this turn of phrase “…these very quiet realizations are all around me on a daily basis”. Well put.

Robert Nease

As usual Russ, your image is more than the sum of it’s parts…very well done.

Russ Widstrand

Thanks Robert. Nice to hear from you.

Nancy Townsend

Very impactful… Dennis was particularity moved since his dad passed when he was 7.

Russ Widstrand

Thanks Nancy.

Jim

Utterly superb on many levels Russ. An epic image of subtly.

Russ Widstrand

High praise. Many thanks Jim.

Steve Mason

Great shot Russ.

Russ Widstrand

Thanks Steve

Jeremy Green

Perplexing beautiful shot.

Russ Widstrand

Yes, it does require some time to take it in. Thanks

Bob Stevens

FANTASTIC Russ!!!

Russ Widstrand

All CAPS! Such high praise. Thanks

Jennifer Bishop

Knockout image!

Russ Widstrand

Thanks Jennifer

David B Moore

Never look back at regrets, always move forward. Great image or should I say images.

Russ Widstrand

No regrets. Have loved my career and life. Very fortunate. Thanks