This self-portrait was taken in November 2014 in upstate New York. My family and I had just arrived at our weekend house, a little past 9 pm. After opening the house, we’d always turn on the porch lights to keep an eye on our dogs eating their late dinner. On that particular night, a light bulb went off in my head at the same time the porch lights flickered on.
I had been experimenting with long exposure for some time and thought it would be interesting to try standing in front of a porch light, which would illuminate my silhouette, before moving out of the frame to make the light behind me visible. For the few seconds I was in front of the light, it was critical to remain perfectly still.
I set up my tripod on the porch, and took several trial shots to determine the best timing of my movement. One trial came out particularly well, where the light glowed through my silhouette right where my heart would be.
This photograph is deeply symbolic to me, and gives me faith that even in my darkest moments light and goodness will shine through and prevail.