Things are often “wide open” while we’re on shift—calls, training, even joking around. So when the quiet moments come, we savor them. We recharge, rest, and decompress. That’s an essential part of coping with the job.
Some of my favorite photos capture these simple, in-between moments. They show what we look like when no one’s watching. People often imagine us only in heavy turnout gear, responding to fires or serious car accidents. But we live like everyone else. We cook. We clean. We get tired. And we rest.
As a photographer, I find it deeply gratifying to capture these slices of ordinary life. I aim to create remarkable images of unremarkable actions.
Most of the time, I use my phone to take these photos. In today’s world, phones draw less attention than a full-sized camera. They're less intrusive, which helps preserve the authenticity of the moment. Plus, it's usually the camera I have with me. And I’ve always believed the best camera is the one that’s with you.