Telling Their Story

On November 13^th 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.

Comments

[Sheri]

Congratulations! I love that picture too.

unexpectedblissblog(at)gmail(dot)com

[Jessica]

I'm expecting my first child in about 8 days... I can't wait to photograph him, either. :)

[Suzanne]

There are beautiful things at this Etsy shop....thanks so much for sharing!

[Kate]

Beautiful!

[Karen]

Just beautiful, and your children are so lucky to have someone there ready with the camera!

[Gramfram]

I also love capturing candid photos . Great shot.

[renee @ FIMBY]

aw.. what a beautiful boy.

[deir]

gorgeous work. thank you for sharing it with the world.

[lisa]

I too see perfection in this picture.
My mom once commented, "You're son is probably the most photographed little boy on earth." I replied, "Isn't that the way it is supposed to be?" I really think it is...because even as I look back at photos from just a month ago or a week ago, I am able to remember exactly what we talked about, how he smelled, what he was wearing, how we luaghed and played....it is all so important in our journey as mother and child. I just wouldn't (couldn't) have it any other way.

[Tracie]

My picture taking skyrocketed when my daughter was born and I especially love capturing those everyday moments!

[anna]

That is a beautiful shot - thanks for sharing!

[krista]

sweet post. :)

[Traci]

what a lovely post for a snowy sunday indoors ... now off to grab my camera! :)

[Sherry]

Well said and well photographed.

It would be hard to choose from your prints. Cheers!

[betrank]

Great photograph and your post echos my own sentiments regarding photography.

[ELK]

B E A U T I F U L smile!

[o-girl]

I love Sandra's work. I've been following her on Flickr for quite a while. All of her photos capture quiet beauty. :)

[Puna]

I too record everything my kids do...

[sammie]

wonderful!

[amber]

I agree-my favorite shots almost always capture a moment rather than a "smile for the camera!" pose.

[Cheryl Doran-Girard]

I, too, love those unposed moments. I thought about discarding this due to the feathers in the face of my littlest angel but so loved the joyful expression on his face...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheryldoran-girard/3112744506/

Thanks for your thoughtful comments and congratulations on your new addition.

[mel]

Gorgeous! All the best to you as you mommy your little dears.

[michelle]

beautiful work.

[Lu]

Oh, the picture and the story are wonderful.

[elizabeth]

I think that is a great shot. You can really see his personality in it.

[Carol]

Just beautiful!

[kayla]

what a sweet photo. Thanks for the giveaway!

[Dina]

Beautiful photo! And I love the Sweet Blue Etsy Shop!

[kristin]

such a sweet post and i too love the in between moments the quieter times when they are not posing or saying cheese... that is the real stuff i want to have forever..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/2678003725/in/set-72157606143607982/

[vivienne]

wishing you all the best with your newest addition sandra!
inspiring words and such a gorgeous image!

[Julie]

I've so enjoyed checking here everyday this month. What WILL we do when January hits??? I'll be so sad.
julie

[Blazey]

I wish I could zoom in close enough to see what it is reflected in his eyes. Whatever it is it gives the photo a fun touch.

[Marcy]

My son was born this past February, and I've been recording his every day moments ever since.. it is so much fun, and I'm so glad to have these incredible photographs to look back on when he's all grown up. =)

I love the photo above, btw.

[karin]

love the post! it's so very true. thanks for the reminder .... :) and love her work! the pictures are lovely!

[karin]

love the post! it's so very true. thanks for the reminder .... :) and love her work! the pictures are lovely!

[littlepurplecow (Stephanie Roberts)]

Such a sweet image. I can see your love in his eyes.

[Tracy]

Amazing photo! It's perfect.

[Emily]

Those really are gorgeous prints.

[brittany]

i love to take pictures throughout our day. i agree that it is the little, normal moments that are worth remembering.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sivyerfamily/3117479615/

[robin alias rstedem]

love the site...and post...a simple capture to stop time to be cherished for a lifetime..

[bashtree]

such beautiful photos! I'm new to this blog, but I look forward to reading more!

[Nicole]

I looove the Quiet Reflection print. Absolutely gorgeous!