I was recently amazed when looking back at some photos of my now 11 year old just two years ago when she was in third grade. Her face was rounded and so cute, and she just looked like a little kid. Just two years later -- she's grown about five inches and she's a full fledged "tween" -- getting ready for middle school next year. Wow. Just wow. How did that happen?
Let me tell you from experience you will be so happy you documented these times in your kids' lives because it goes too fast.
Being a mom means I also know how kids work and how a photo session should be structured so that they have fun and we make pictures together that you'll treasure for years to come.
I love the little things. Little hands. Little feet. Little bows on a dress. The sweet little beauty mark on a child's cheek. Capturing a little giggle. Or a little messy face.
I appreciate kids for who they are. I've photographed kids who loved every minute of their photo session -- posing, suggesting spots for a photograph, and just having tons of fun in front of the camera. I smile when I think of the little boy who shouted "See you next time!!!" as he left with his mom and dad after a session. But there have been kids who were WILD! Or JUST. NOT. INTERESTED in being photographed. I appreciate them too! It's who they are and I will rethink my plan to make sure we have a session that results in photographs you love.
I love what I do. Ever since I can remember I've had a camera with me. From a little vivitar 110 to the Pentax my dad bought me in high school, to my first 35mm SLR and then DLSR, each new camera has brought me joy. I see the world more clearly because of photography. With my camera, and without it, I notice details, expressions, a glimmer of light that some do not see and it makes me happy. Know anyone who gets excited about how cool the rust looks on the side of a fishing boat? Or the drops of dew collecting on the petal of a flower? Or the beam of sunlight coming through the window to illuminate a child's face? Well now you do. Friends have seen me squeal with delight at getting the perfect shot. And then I feel a little ridiculous. But seriously, it makes me happy!
I choose joy. There are days when life can be a real drag. Things are not going well. Just like everyone. But I guess when it comes down to it I am a glass-half-full type of girl. I try to see the good in people, embrace kindness, learn from mistakes, experience new things and places. LOVE my family. Strive to show my girls as much of the world as I can so they know their place in it. I try to see the joy in every day. Some days it is tough, but it's there if you really look. Maybe photography ties into that because it helps me document that everyday joy, which can be as small as a child's giggle or a moment of love between two siblings.
I'd really LOVE to photograph your family and document your life together and I hope you'll get in touch. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you!
xo
Cristen
No comments:
Post a Comment