“Break open a cherry tree and there are no flowers, but the spring breeze brings forth myriad blossoms.” - Ikkyu Sojun

MADISON SQUARE PARK, NY – In April, I had the pleasure of meeting Phyllis Cheung, her husband Phil and their two children for a lifestyle session in New York City. The family was visiting from their home in California so Phyllis could attend several business meetings on the East Coast. I first came to know Phyllis via her daily musings on twitter. Working with her husband, Phyllis launched launched My Wedding Concierge in September of 2009.

Experiencing this couple with their children was awesome…except for the moment when I accidentally cursed out loud…in front of their daughter…not so fun. I sometimes use the excuse of “being a New Yorker” to justify foul language but there really is no good reason for it…I just like cursing sometimes. This time was incredibly inappropriate and I am really sorry. That said, the rest of our time spent together was quite enjoyable…

Phyllis had never observed the flower in real life, however, she was very clear in asking for a location with cherry blossoms. A bit of research on my part revealed that cherry blossoms were in full bloom at Madison Square Park. To my surprise, I also learned that the Japanese practice known as “flower viewing” is an emulation of a Chinese tradition: where the imperial households, poets, singers and other aristocrats would gather and celebrate under the [cherry] blossoms. Whether Jazz, Theater, live painting or photojournalism, improvisational performance is an art form that requires immense practice and research.

All improv artists MUST invest in mastering the fundamentals before we can freely access our creative facilities “in the moment”. This is the nature of photojournalism as practiced by such greats as Henry Cartier Bresson. The above qoute by Zen Buddhist priest and poet Ikkyu Sojun is a reminder to me about the nature of documentary photography. Like the well-rooted cherry tree, the beauty of a photograph is not in the camera or the paper but rather the subtle fleeting stories that are locked into each image. Stories that unlock our memories and remember our celebrated past.

I am thankful to Phyllis and her family for allowing me to document this moment in their lives. Considering what I have learned, I think I’ll take my grandmother up on her offer to see this presentation at the Botanical Gardens.