twinkle

There's a constant twinkle in his eye that speaks volumes. It says "I'm up for anything and loving life". He is learning fast and exploring constantly. As he grows, I am right there watching him watch the world. This is our first Christmas as a family of three and I look forward to starting new traditions that will carry us through a lifetime. And even though he doesn't understand the signifigance of the holiday season, it's more important than ever for me to document it through photographs. I'm sure the spirit of the season will only brighten the twinkle in his eye and I plan to capture it as much as I can this month.

Do you know someone who lights up a room? Share your photos with us!

playing with perspective

The Shutter Sisters often write about how to give our photos an extra boost by playing with perspective. We dedicated much of our book "Expressive Photography" to the subject of perspective and the important role it plays in successful and expressive photography. It's an easy way to turn a snap shot into a more interesting and thought provoking photograph. Even though I know all about this subject, I often need a reminder myself. I love the above photo for two reasons. First, it is special to me because it is taken from my own viewpoint as I carry my little guy in a sling (which required me to hold the camera high above my head, point down and hope for the best). And second, because at first glance the shot may seem little confusing and make the viewer wonder what they are truly seeing. This can make for a more interesting photo. As always, our Flickr Group is a great resource. Here are some great examples of people playing with perspective in ways that may have you looking twice.

Have you played with perspective recently? Please share your examples with us!

the details

As a new mom, the days and nights tend to blend together into a constant flow of diapers, feedings and laundry. I am one month into the job and am realizing that taking care of a newborn is a much bigger task than one can ever prepare for, but the bright spots are also much brighter than I could have hoped for. I am learning how important it is to capture the details of my baby boy during these days where my memory seems a little foggy. I don't want to forget the tiny toes, soft skin and perfect lips of my little one because he already seems to be growing so fast.

I'm enjoying every tiny part and piece of my little guy these days. What kind of details are you focused on in your life?

mother love = true love

My mother's day was... A free pass to sleep in a couple of hours, yummy breakfast cooked by daddy, fresh tulips, a stroll around the Mission district in San Francisco, and a tiny photo session in the yummiest afternoon light. All that, but the best part you can see right here: chubby legs :) Oh yes! And that intense look too.

Sometimes I forget she is just a baby and we have a whole life ahead of us to get to know one another. I love her so much. And when I mean love, I mean that kind of love only mother's know. True Love. I do get it now. The love that sees deeper and that transcends any difficulty or imperfection. There is really nothing like it...

That is why I keep coming back to this one polaroid. Even though there is no smile, the color is uneaven, and there is a chunk missing at the top, it represents a very honest and beautiful slice of motherhood for me. It's not always picture perfect, but endlessly rewarding. Ever precious. It's a day we shared and a day I never want to forget.

So, how was your Sunday? Whether you are a mother or a daughter, please share with us a slice of true love from this year's mother's day or from year's past.

distraction

We've got a new baby in the house. Totally unplanned. Totally unexpected. And yet, here he is.

As I was thinking about how to express all the things that we are dealing with on a daily basis around here, I just kept thinking of the word distraction. He is quite a distraction on a number of levels. Looking up the word for it's literal meaning led me to perhaps my new most favorite list of words ever.

The definition was far less interesting than the synonyms.

Ready?

Bafflement, bamboozlement, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderedness, bewilderment, confusedness, discombobulation, confusion, fog, head-scratching, muddle, mystification, perplexity, puzzlement, tangle, whirl.

Absolutely YES to all of the above. This puppy is officially a distraction.

Can you relate? Show us something that distracting you right now. Chances are it's as much as a muse as a distraction.