This project came to life during the Eddie Adams Workshop, where I was tasked with portraying “The Life We Live” — an exploration of the everyday existence of someone chosen at random. That’s how I met Nyssa.
On a rainy morning, Nyssa took me to the river to look for ducks. She described how, in the summer, this same river transforms into a meditative oasis of floating tranquility. Nyssa, a self-proclaimed “dogtrovert,” lives surrounded by the serenity of the countryside in upstate New York. She’s an animal photographer and a dog trainer — fittingly, the kind of person whose living room has a sofa enclosed by a dog crate, perfectly placed for watching television.
Nyssa is also the mother of Lilly, her daughter and partner-in-crime, who shares her deep connection with nature and her unspoken language with animals. Together, they share a home that includes not just dogs but also a snake — an unexpected but fitting addition to Nyssa’s world, blending seamlessly with the intricate Filipino tattoos that adorn her left arm.
This glimpse into Nyssa’s rich and layered life barely scratches the surface. Thank you, Nyssa, for opening your world to me.
