Life Is About Contrast

Blog by Jada Parrish | Article | 01/30/24

I deeply believe that we are all connected – in our love, in our joy, but also in our pain. It’s a thread that binds us together in this enigmatic journey we call the human experience, filled with contrasts. None of us make it through life without experiencing moments of awe-inspiring beauty and profound lows, where it feels like we're being swallowed by darkness and pain. It’s a journey we all navigate without maps, relying solely on faith and instinct. We put on masks to face the day, offering a smile here and laughter there, yet we never truly know what anyone else is experiencing. We only ever see the sides of people they choose to show us – so can we ever fully know anyone? There are parts of ourselves we keep tucked away, known only to those closest to us, if anyone at all.

But on this mapless journey through life, we aren’t alone. I think we forget that because we so often hide our pain and put on a façade. But we all feel it. The deep ache of sadness, the overwhelming sense of fear, and the paralyzing anxiety – these are universal experiences, though we seldom discuss them.

And why? Because we need each other. So often, vulnerability is seen as a weakness, when in reality, it is our greatest connection. It’s a life raft. Leaning on each other, recognizing, and empathizing with each other's pain and suffering is what gets us through. So, no matter what you're going through in your life, you are not alone. Our lives are filled with highs and lows. It’s the contrast that makes us human. It’s the contrast that unites us.

These photos held deep significance for me. I could feel it while I was shooting. There was a profound energy in the room as the shoot unfolded, and afterward, I needed some time to sit with them before I began editing. For me, they were raw, honest, and they captured the essence of what it means to be human.

Life Is About Contrast - Jada And David Parrish