Young lovers making out in Pisa – Sherrie Nickol’s best photograph

I always take my camera when I go to a new place. I observe how people relate to each other – whether alone among strangers, or with their families or friends. I’m checking out body language, waiting for uplifting and sincere human moments, that special touch or kiss.

This image of young lovers – a truly beautiful moment – was photographed in Pisa, Italy, in 1999. All these young couples were sprawled out on the grass making out. It was a fabulous sight. They were enjoying each other and didn’t even notice me running over to take their picture.

I love capturing a mood. I look for those unusual everyday moments. There was a little girl in a beautiful white dress in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. I was watching her play when she fell in a muddy puddle. She was so upset. Everybody around her was trying to comfort her and clean her dress, but they were laughing at the same time. I knew it would make a great photo. Two years later, when I was back in Paris, I contacted the mum and arranged to meet her and her daughter. When I handed them the print of the fateful moment, they both started laughing.

On a public beach in Maine, someone stood up and yelled, then began to chase me. Luckily, I was younger and quicker!

When my son was entering his teens, I started my Between-Teen series. It was around 2000 and I would photograph him and his friends. Then I branched out to my friends’ children before they turned 14, which is when they become more self-conscious. Initially, I was just their friend’s mum taking pictures. They generally ignored me, which allowed me to be a fly on the wall.

My work is a mix of both candid and posed pictures. Sometimes I’ll be photographing a group in public and I’ll say: “Let me get a group shot.” And they’ll ham it up. Then I’ll say: “OK, let’s just be natural.” Most people are positive and responsive – I’ve only had one bad experience in public. When photographing a scene with lots of people, on a public beach in Maine, an older person stood up and yelled at me to stop, then began to chase me. Luckily, I was younger and quicker!

I studied photography at the University of Cincinnati. When I started taking pictures, I felt I’d found my calling. Later, I moved to New York, which was pretty terrifying, being on my own in a large, strange place. But then I took classes at the International Center of Photography. Soon I started to find my way. I worked as a photo assistant for a while, then began to freelance. Eventually, I became staff photographer at a New York City business magazine, a rare position in the field. I worked there for six years and they allowed me all the freedom I wanted. After leaving, I opened up my own studio, working with commercial clients, but I did fine art work too.

I like long, ongoing projects. My Face to Face series explores the quiet beauty and dignity of women. “Bring your own makeup,” I tell them. “Wear something you feel fabulous in.” I love what I do.

Sherrie Nickol’s CV

Born: Osceola, Arkansas.
Trained: University of Cincinnati and International Center of Photography, New York.
Influences: Henri Cartier-Bresson , Lillian Bassman .
High point: “The publication of my forthcoming book.”
Low point: “Moving to New York and not knowing anyone in the industry.”
Top tip: “Follow your heart and personal interests. And keep at it.”

• Sherrie Nickol by Sherrie Nickol is published by Hirmer on 15 August.