Superhero Challenge: Fallen Leaves

I'm squatting in a puddle, a sleepy Bella strapped to me staring off into space as I awkwardly position my little point and shoot elph on the wet concrete. I've just resigned myself to looking like a fool when I hear through the fog of my concentration, Are you a photographer? That question has never been directed at me before. I look up from my puddle to see a man in a minivan staring down at me in awe, his preteen in tow. I don't answer but try to keep my smile confident.

Is he serious? I have a child hanging off my front and my miniature camera is lying in a pile of leaves. I suppose everything is relative. He saves me from explaining and carries on about what an artistic angle that is and how he's good with people, but would never think of such a great idea and it's so creative he wants to try it out as soon as he gets back home. I let him do all the talking. He's genuinely excited and inspired to see me (still in my puddle) and I doubt the word "hobbiest" would pop his shiny bubble.



I'm also excited about this shot, but for other reasons. I go through my day imagining photographs, a lens before me even when it's not. I've set this one up in my mind a million times but never got the nerve to try it out until today's Superhero Challenge sent me out in the rain to face my fear of breaking the norm. Yeah, I'm not so good with people, I reply lamely waving my camera, but I suppose that's why I've got this. I encourage him to come back out and try this perspective before they blow the leaves away. He circles the parking lot one more time to catch another glance and I heave a big sigh to pull me and Bella up from my crouch. A simple interaction, two very different perspectives, and we both continue on our daily paths glowing with a little more inspiration.

So my superhero powers for the day, a leaf's perspective on life:





And one for the leaves who have yet to fall: