When Words Fail is more than just a photography book—it’s a chronicle of my personal journey through New York City at twilight during a time of bereavement, sadness and loss.
Each page tells a story of transition, resilience, and the quiet moments in between. Each page is a glimpse of life in New York at twilight time.
Today, I’m sharing a sneak peek inside the book and for the first time, and sharing the story behind some of my favorite images.
© 2024 Pamela Thomas-Graham.
Page 18 is an image of a young woman holding an umbrella on a city street. We see only her profile, a few wisps of her hair, and the hand that holds the umbrella.
I took this photo spontaneously. I was waiting at the corner for the light to change and looked up to see this person right in front of me. My eyes went straight to her profile, silhouetted against her umbrella. I loved how her umbrella was both concealing and revealing her. The reflections of the lights on the wet streets and sidewalks; her stillness in the midst of the constant movement around her; and the portrait that she seemed to embody of being alone in the city even when we’re surrounded by people. All of these elements make this one of my favorite photos from When Words Fail.
Each image in When Words Fail is a reflection of the fleeting, beautiful moments of twilight—the space between day and night, between the known and unknown, between the dog and the wolf.
Want to see more? Get early access to the book, before the official launch on April 8.