Photographer Amit Lennon, known for his respectful and collaborative portrait approach, captured a poignant image of an elderly couple in Poros, Greece, in 2023 using his iPhone XR. The photograph, taken during a holiday, depicts the pair bathed in beautiful evening light, embodying a moment of silent tranquillity.
A chance encounter in Poros
Lennon, originally from Israel and now living in London, was on holiday in Greece when he took the picture. After swimming in the sea, he ambled through the outskirts of Poros town, searching for a restaurant for dinner. It was late afternoon when he came across the elderly couple.
He attempted to strike up a conversation, but they only spoke Greek, and Lennon did not. As a result, the interaction became entirely nonverbal. Lennon play-acted that he wanted to take their photo and asked if that would be acceptable. He emphasizes, “I’m not interested in taking a photo without someone noticing. I prefer to make a connection, however fleeting.”
An eternal moment of tranquillity
The couple nodded and sat up more proudly in their chairs, looking towards Lennon’s iPhone XR. “It felt like an eternal moment, as if this was their regular routine,” Lennon recalls. He was drawn to the silent tranquillity, the beauty of the light and colours, and the scene echoed what his own older relatives in Israel might do. He thanked them with hand gestures and continued on his way.
Reflecting on the encounter, Lennon adds, “Maybe I left them feeling confused that someone had wanted to take their photo. Or maybe they were happy someone had noticed their peace.” The image stands as a testament to the power of nonverbal connection and the quiet dignity of everyday moments.
