my heart. {in a photograph}

I’m uploading cards tonight from some recent shoots and was floored by this image.  Looking at this photo, my heart hurt with sheer joy.  As I began to edit it I realized more and more why I reacted so strongly to this simple photo file….

I am often asked what caused me to get into photography, and what inspires me.  This photo would sum it up.  Almost 10 yrs. ago when I had my first child, I saw a beauty in her that I wanted to share with the rest of world.  This is why I love photographs. I wanted something that could point me back to that day-that moment, and that feeling I had when I spent time with her.  Just she and I, laying in the grass, playing with her toys…..a very simple everyday scene, but seeing her face as she discovered and learned, was a place where my heart would love to live.  You parents out there know…..if it were possible to bottle it up for later, we would.

Taking my daughter to the local department store for a photo brought us both to tears, and I almost always hated the photos.  So I quit going.  One day I picked up my point and shoot, I quit making her look at me and smile, and I waited for those moments.  I fell in love with watching and waiting for those moments.  And the rest as they say, is history.

When you look at this photo what do you see?  Being the mother, the power of this photo is quite different for me, I’m sure.

I see a photo that 20 years from now will be posted in my house, and a cute moment that Adin and Riah will look back on fondly.

I see:

a summer day

the warmth of the sun

a beautiful place

two precious boys

a relaxed moment

a big brother’s love

a proud little brother

and the stillness of life.  simple + sweet.

I find it an incredible joy, honor, and an absolute dream to be able to capture these moments for others that perhaps can help them feel an *inkling* of what I feel for this little photo.

Thank you for being a part.

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