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« One Wish | Main | Take a Seat »
Sunday
Dec212008

Telling Their Story

On November 13th I became a mom for the second time. It was one of the most excruciatingly painful experiences of my life and one of the most beautiful all into one. The first tender moment when I held my baby girl was captured on camera. My son’s birth five years prior was also photographed for posterity. Every major event of his life since has been recorded by the shutter’s eye. And as many of the in between moments as possible too.

More than anything, it is the in between everyday moments that I am most interested in photographing. Because it is my child’s daily day to day life that really tells his story. It is an ongoing visual documentation of whom he was and who he is becoming. I especially love to take pictures of him when he isn’t even looking into the camera, like in the picture above. When he isn’t forced to look at the camera is when he is his most authentic self. A professionally trained photographer would probably see many things technically wrong with that image, but to me it is perfection. He was playing in his room on an ordinary day andI was able to capture his gentle kind spirit.

Now I can’t wait to also take pictures, to document the big events and the small magical kid moments of my daughter’s story, the moments that will shape who she will grow up to be.

Words and picture courtesy of Honorary Sister/Guest Blogger Sandra (aka Pink Orchid Too) at artful life.

Sandra is also kindly offering a print from her Sweet Blue Photography Etsy shop for today’s giveaway. Be sure to pop over and see. Her work is gorgeous. But you probably already know that. Leave your comment here today for a chance to win.

Congratulations to Emily of Five Flowers for winning one of Alex’s lovely images.

Reader Comments (92)

i find my inspiration in every your post!!!! have a nice sunday!!!
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterkosenrufu mama
his smile is so genuine, i love it!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentervanessa
What a wonderful post..so very inspiring. It truly is in the unsuspecting daily moments that you capture their spirit. Congrats on baby #2!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMarcie
gorgeous shot! Those photos always end up being my favorite, too!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKristinah
You know.. I see it : ) The joy in his eyes, the pure smile. Great pic : ) x
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentershiny
Beautiful post and beautiful photos.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLinda Lum DeBono
Congratulations on becoming a Mommy again! I think that photo is perfect too!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentershelli
The photographs at Sweet Blue are wonderful!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterGale
What wonderful lighting!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHSY
Congratulations on your new addition! Your post describes exactly why I got my DSLR.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJanine
Love the love in his eyes. Congratulations!
sue
marklovessue@numail.org
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentersue
Enjoy all the precious moments with your family ! I have to admit that my most cherished photos are those that are not technically perfect.

It reminds me of this quote : I think the best pictures are often on the edges of any situation, I don't find photographing the situation nearly as interesting as photographing the edges. ~William Albert Allard, "The Photographic Essay"
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJulie Marie
beautiful words!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJill
Just beautiful!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBunny
I think that post sums up one of the most important things I've learned from getting older and from reading Shutter Sisters! The everyday stuff is the most worthy of being documented. Am I ever glad to have learned that lesson...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3123771940/
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKathleen O.
this is fabulous & your words are wonderful!! inspiring for sure!!!!
I try to keep this in mind...
http://www.photoblog.com/abbeyh13/2008/10/17/
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterabbey
Oh, my, I just found this site, and I'm blown away! This is all so lovely, and such inspiration. I'm so glad I found you all!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPaula Bogdan
i think that photograph is perfection! it's all i strive for in photography. you really did capture his kind spirit. congratulations on the birth of your daughter!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentercamerashymomma
Lovely photographs, so hard to choose just one.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCindy
Beautiful words and photo. Love the light in his eyes. I'm awaiting my moment of becoming a mommy for the second time in February -- it's a magical thing.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentergiggletwig (corey)
beautiful photo!!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterRenee
I enjoyed this post! :) Very handsome little boy.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commentersandi
I love the everyday moments too!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterStephanie Fox
Congratulation. Beautiful photographs!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterStephanie
What a cutie!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKelley
Congratulations!! Girls are SO much fun! I have one of each, and I have to say, everything about girls just makes them more fun to photograph! And their CLOTHES are so much cuter!
I don't know how I would decide between all those lovely prints! Gorgeous!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCarrieJ
Beautiful photo!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLisa
"but to me it is perfection." i agree with you.
thank you, as ever.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterlizzy
Congratulations! This is such a beautiful picture.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAllison
You will always remember the love in his eyes that day, the sweet look on his face. Wonderful! ; )
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterChristina
Wonderful.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAppleTree
Beautiful photography!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterbetsy
A beautiful picture and for me...the everyday is The most important subject in family pics!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733432@N08/2180467219/
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterGail
i wouldn't think anyone seeing his face could bother pointing out any technical difficulties :) what a beautiful picture!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBeth
I love the photo and the sentiments that go along with it!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKyla
The wonderful thing about art is that of the individual interpretation. This photo does indeed capture a sweet moment in time. Lovely.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLaurie L.
I love taking pics like that as well.....it's the ones that are not posed and are natural that I cherish the most~

:)
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterDawn
She is definitely an angel, what a blessing!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSuvarna
Such a soulful little man!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterGolden
What a beautiful shot.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKath
Great photo...checked out the artist's shop...nice work there as well. How sweet to have a new baby at this time of year!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterRisa
love the light - and the thoughts
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterDennylyn
Great photo! And great giveaway... would love her gentle wispher!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLauren
I love your post! I really liked all of sweetblue's prints but my favorite is the Everyday Moments print. So serene and pretty.

Thanks so much!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBecky Grayson
I feel exactly the same way.
And this is a beautiful picture!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJulie Alvarez
thank you for sharing!! and what lovely prints!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKaitlyn
Beautiful picture, and your words are so true!!
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterErin
Life is made up of these moments
that are not
ours.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKelly
Great post. I love the photograph of your son. I often find it challenging to get "good" photos of the kids around the house. Your post today inspires me to keep trying.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSharon
:0) Love this site. LOVE IT.
December 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLindsay

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