The Photograph That Makes Me Feel

This is part of Nina's epistolary blog 'Nina's Diary', where she shares letters with her inner circle of close girlfriends. They overthink films, books, and heritage sites to make sense of life.

This note was written on Friday, April 18, 1958.

Dearest Nina,

I came by your room for a quick chat before leaving for Deauville with Ben (now don't frown, just this once try to be happy for me!). As usual, you’re fast asleep. It still amazes me how you can go out like a light every single night at 9 PM... it must be all that heavy thinking that tires you out! I wanted to see you tonight because I’ve noticed how that business with the Herald's editor has left you feeling down.

Calling your portfolio unoriginal, what a dreadful word spilled right out of the most pompous mouth in Paris! He could have at least had the decency to offer constructive advice, or show a little courtesy to a fellow American. When we left the building and I tried to help you blow off some steam, you completely shut me out. But don't worry, I know you just needed space. Only darling, life doesn't end at the very first step toward your dream.

And no, you aren't going to spend the rest of your life plugging jacks into a pointless switchboard! Please, Nina, don't let that man's comment strip you of your infectious enthusiasm for photography.

I'm leaving you this photo (the one I usually keep inside my diary). I hope it brings a smile back to that lovely face and gets you to pick up your camera again. Yes, I've noticed it's been gathering dust on your desk for days now!

This photograph moves me to my core every time I lay eyes on it. It reminds me of those wonderful summer days when my sister and I would swim in Lake Chelan back home. Dad used to take us out in a battered old wooden boat until he got fed up with our restlessness. I can still hear him grumbling, 'The off-switch on you two must have gone loose!'

I came across this print almost by accident at a bouquiniste stand along the Seine. The dealer told me it was taken in the late 1800s by a photographer named Theresa Babb*. She is hardly known, yet here her work is, making me feel something decades later. That is the true power of photography. You can capture whatever story you choose to tell and move people's hearts just like that.

Promise me you'll get out of bed tomorrow and enjoy a day outdoors. The weather will be splendid! If only you'd said yes and joined Ben and me... oh, there's that frown again!