#existinphotos…My Story
Life is beautiful. Life happens quickly. We all go through many stages and changes. It is okay to embrace who you are and the stage you are in. It’s not just okay…I encourage you to!
I write this from my experience and that is why I feel strongly about it. I went through a period of being so busy in life that I overlooked capturing myself in photos. Yes, the person who absolutely loves everything about photography and documenting life. I realized this while working on a picture poster board with my son. I have tons of pictures of everyone and hardly any of me. What! Really? Where am I with my loved ones? Of course, I am the one behind the camera.
Then my attention came to this portrait! …
My first Mother’s Day!
Isn’t it amazing how looking at a photo can bring on so many different feelings and emotions. That’s me! This is my first Mother’s Day. One of my proudest moments. Looking at this picture, I can relive the memory. I cherish who I am there and recognize who I am now. I am so grateful for photos like these.
#existinphotos… No Excuses
It is because of these reasons that I want to share with you a movement that is important to me… #existinphotos. Sue Bryce, a portrait photographer, began this campaign because of the many excuses people give to avoid being photographed. Yes, it’s true. There can be a million excuses. At first, my reason was the baby weight. I just began living one of my dreams and an extra few pounds got in the way of me existing in my photos. Not any more. My mindset is different now. Why wait for the perfect time? Is there REALLY a perfect time? Life is about the changes. Change is good. It is a necessary part of growth. Embrace who you are now and become part of your images as soon as you can. Years from now, while reminiscing, you will realize how priceless each picture has become.
#existinphotos… Leaving a Legacy
Professional portraits are special and fun. It is a time to pamper yourself. When you are in photographs it benefits you and your family. How does your family benefit? Our loved ones enjoy seeing their family in pictures. It is also important to have pictures with them and with the family together. Children get a sense of belonging and security especially when the pictures are printed and hanging in the home. Lastly, existing in your photos helps document your ancestry. This is a picture of my grandmother when she was living the stage that I’m living now.
This is her early years as a mom. My dad is in her arm and my uncle is holding her hand. This was over 60 years ago. It is the only picture, in the family, of when they were so young. There is so much to treasure within this one photo. Within seconds, like a time machine, my grandmother and I began to relive this moment. The look on my uncle’s face. I never realized that my son has some resemblance to him. We also spoke of how my nephew looks like my dad. While speaking with my grandmother, she also told me she made the dress. It was a beautiful dress that flowed down to her ankles… “It was the style then.” Since the picture had some water damage and fading through the years, she pointed to the faded bonnet my dad held in his hands. This picture warms my heart. It is priceless and it is part of our family’s legacy.
As I look at the picture, I can relate to my grandmother. I can see my sisters, my cousins, my aunt, and myself in her “mommy” eyes. I see generations in just the three of them standing there. I can feel the love that has reached through years of highs and lows. Good times. Trying times. Happy times…. Precious memories.
Do you see why I am passionate about existing in your photos in all stages of life? Capturing pictures is for all seasons, all milestones, and for those “just because” moments.
This post is for all of you… #existinphotos
Cheers!
Interested in letting me create your portraits?
Inspiration, Family, Maternity
Inspiration, Family, Maternity
Inspiration, Family, Maternity