Eternal Yearning from the Heart, Photography's Silent Storyteller
This week, Boushie Babes, we're diving into an emotion that might make some of you squirm a bit—and that’s okay! This one’s for those who, like me, find beauty in the bittersweet: longing. Yes, that deep, aching desire we often tuck away, hoping it doesn’t spill out at the most inconvenient times.
But first, let’s get on the same page: what exactly is longing? (Cue the dictionary) Longing is defined as “a strong desire or craving, especially for something unattainable.” Now, doesn’t that hit home? Longing is like that lingering taste of chocolate on your tongue—sweet, yet just out of reach. It’s that little tug at your heart when you think about a dream vacation or a long-lost love. It’s the feeling that makes you sigh when you pass by a bakery and smell freshly baked bread, knowing you promised yourself you’d skip the carbs today.
In photography, longing can manifest in so many different ways. Sometimes it appears almost sad, like a wistful gaze out of a rainy window. Other times, it carries a hint of madness, that wild, desperate yearning we all feel at 3 AM when we’re scrolling through Instagram and thinking, “Why isn’t my life this fabulous?” And then there’s the lustful side of longing—the kind that makes a photograph sizzle with unspoken desire. It can also be otherworldly, creating an ethereal connection that pulls at the strings of your soul.
Longing is one of those emotions that, when captured just right, speaks directly to the heart and soul. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s undeniably beautiful. There’s an art to it, a subtlety that grabs you by the soul and refuses to let go. That’s why I love it—because when you see it in a photograph, it’s like finding a piece of your own heart staring back at you.
Think about it: you can long for anything—a good night’s sleep (who doesn’t?), a much-needed vacation (yes, please!), the perfect lover (aren’t we all?), or even just a meal so divine it gives you a foodgasm (and yes, those are real and worth longing for). Longing isn’t just an emotion; it’s a story waiting to be told, a silent whisper that says so much more than words ever could.
So, do you love longing, or does it make you want to run for the hills? Either way, there’s no denying its power in photography. Below, I’ve put together a gallery that showcases the many flavors of longing—from the tender and sweet to the fierce and fiery. Take a look, and see if it stirs something in you.
