A Stroke of Fortune: Donovan by The Third Eye

'Immediately my Third Eye fluttered open which allows me to view a person through a camera lens.'

Richard, The Third Eye

For many, luck is about destiny. As i some all knowing force or being is guiding the lives of some, but not of others. I don't really believe this way of thinking, that some people are just more 'lucky' than others. I do though, believe that luck, fate and coincidence exist, moments of fortune that occur due to time and place, important moments only possible by the split second blending of decision with situation.

If you have read and have enjoyed my previous pieces featuring the work of The Third Eye, you know that fate and circumstance are often central to story. Richard's skill as an artist of course completes the story, but the beginning, is all about the third eye. Today, most model/artist connections occur first on-line. Before deciding to shoot, both can view, and judge the work of the other. There is usually the opportunity to ask any questions, set any conditions or boundaries and discuss the creative vision (if there is one) for the shoot.

I always ask photographers and models I feature how they connected. I am always interested in what exactly it was about the other, the led to a decision to work together. Although connecting through Model Mayhem or other social media sites is usually the nexus, sometimes the meetings are not as predictable, and come as an unexpected stroke of fortune. Richard's introduction to Donovan certainly fits into this category. Richard considers himself lucky as photographer to have encountered Donovan, and I consider myself lucky to have connected with The Third Eye, and be able to share the images, and Richard's story of their creation, with readers of FH.

'As I grow older, I find it more and more difficult to manage my yard without help. For the last three years I would find a helper through Craigslist. That method has always been hit or miss. I made my annual attempt last month. I always expect the worst so I am not too disappointed. I contacted a young man in a nearby town looking for weekend work. We sat it up for the following Saturday. We sat the time for 1:pm for him to just come and look at the job.'

'As the time grew near, I perched myself in front of the window to wait. I told myself that if he looked “ strung out “ that I was not going to open the door. When I saw the car approaching I couldn't help but notice that it was a newer model car in good condition, not at all what I am accustomed to. It took a moment for my helper to get out of his car. Once the door opened I realized that this was like no helper I had ever had before.'

'Immediately my Third Eye fluttered open which allows me to view a person through a camera lens. I said to myself, Good God Richard this is a potential model approaching. It didn't take long to realize that he was a genuinely nice person besides his physical attributes. Once we examined the yard, it didn't take me long to bring up that I was a photographer always looking for new talent. He was excited to tell me that he has considered modeling and has been encouraged by a number of people in that direction.'

'Donovan had just been discharged from the Army and admitted he is not at all inhibited. He is very well spoken and very easy to talk to. If he were somehow affected by his good looks, then I probably would not have asked him to do a photo shoot. I did ask Donovan to shoot which we did the next day before our yard activities. We all know that not everyone is cut out to be a model. Donovan is not in that category. He found that he enjoyed being in front of the camera. He really does come to life. We have done two successful photo shoots. We have a wonderful working relationship built on trust and respect. I can't help but think, how lucky can one photographer get. The photos speak for themselves. The kid has got it!'

The Third Eye on ModelMayhem

Donovan30916 on ModelMayhem

The Third Eye on FH: