Pausing to quietly search for the right word. Her poem is almost finished.
Category: Storytelling
Not what I had planned…
With a great photo idea in mind, I arrived at school early for pick-up, found the perfect parking spot, set my camera, and waited for the girls to walk into my viewfinder. I was ready to capture the excitement of the end of a school day on a Friday afternoon.
While I waited, I began to think about how I wanted to send this yet-to-be-taken-photo to my husband, as he misses these moments while he’s at work. Then, SURPRISE! Our youngest suddenly appeared in my viewfinder, ahead of schedule and was almost out of the frame when I captured this image. With all of my preparation, I didn’t even have the time to focus properly!
This was not the image I had planned, yet it is one of my favorites from the school year; I laugh when I see this photo and remember how happy the girls were to be starting the weekend.
Some of my best planned moments often turn into something different, and altogether wonderful!
Favorite Photo Friday: Encouragement
Notes written by one sister for another, offering encouragement in working toward her goal.
I am a storyteller
Today, I came across a box of photos from 1996-1997, which I haven’t opened in some time. These were important years in my photographic journey as it was during these years that I fell in love with black and white photography. My Canon AE-1 camera was by my side just about everywhere I went; I learned to take photos from different perspectives; I often stayed up through the night until sunrise, just so I could process my film and print my own photos in my darkroom (where time passed by so quickly, that I didn’t trust that the time on my watch was accurate). I was in love with the whole process.
So today, forgetting about all of the tasks I had planned to accomplish, I simply sat down, pulled photos out one by one, smiled, and enjoyed myself.
Then, when I saw these photos of my dad, I stopped.
I stopped, in part, because I vividly remembered taking these photos of my dad, and how much I enjoyed following him around as he performed some of his training routines (as a decathlete). I remember taking photos of my dad setting his timer on his wristwatch, before getting ready to run at the track; I photographed him resting in between sets, with his hands on the weightlifting bar in the garage; I photographed him sitting on the bleachers at the track, looking out, reflecting on his last performance, and preparing for the next.
But, the other reason I stopped is because I was surprised to recognize and discover my current photographic style in the photos I captured 17 years ago. I saw storytelling, through capturing the details.
I was surprised to make this connection and discovery, because, since I stopped working as a portrait photographer, I have been unable to explain my photographic style to anyone, including myself. These photos of my dad pulled everything together for me.
I know that I love capturing events unfolding in front of me; I love capturing everyday moments; I love capturing the details, which often go unnoticed by those around me; I love capturing connections between people; I cannot get enough of photographing beautiful light; I love pulling images together, to tell a story.
I may not have been able to say it until now, but in my heart, I know that am a storyteller.
The little things
Quite often, it is the little things that grab my attention and inspire me to take a photo.
On this afternoon, while trying to leave a path to the next clue, one secret agent thought of an inventive way to keep the leaves from blowing away. Success!
Favorite Photo Friday: Creating in the morning
Some mornings, we have the luxury of having extra time to create. Our girls love to write, draw, design, and build. I love to capture these moments as they unfold, revealing and creating a story of my own in the process.
Words
I woke up today needing to photograph words. In those early morning hours, I honestly wished I knew why.
In taking photos every day, I have realized that some of my photos are inspired, some are the result of patience and waiting to capture a story, and some images (because I spend a lot of time looking and seeing what’s going on around me) unfold before me. Other photos fulfill another purpose; they satisfy a personal need. The latter being the most difficult for me, since the reasons behind what I need are not always clear.
Taking photos this morning was challenging. My initial search for words offered results with neither meaning nor purpose; I was definitely trying too hard to make a photo happen and forcing a photo never works for me!
I put my camera down for a bit. When I stopped trying so hard, I found the words I needed, right on my computer monitor. (Thanks, Jackie!)
When I read these words, I knew that I had found exactly what I needed and understood why I needed to find them.
This photo serves as a personal reminder to continue doing what makes me happy; I hope that you continue to do the same!
Storytelling: Learning to ride a bike
Our daughter woke up early yesterday, full of enthusiasm; she was ready to learn how to ride her bike without training wheels.
After a lot of practice with us at her side, she gained the balance and confidence she needed to ride on her own.
With a little extra convincing, she was ready to give it a try, without any help.
She pushed off and rode the length of the playground on her own,
over and over again,
beaming with pride!
Such a huge accomplishment! We are all so proud of you!
The Cemetery
Recently, a friend and I decided to get together, visit a new destination, and take photos. When she suggested that we visit a local cemetery, I was completely open to the idea, but found myself wondering how I should go about capturing images in a such a place.
When we arrived, I felt a bit lost and overwhelmed; I wondered how to properly show respect while taking photos in a cemetery. I needed to get comfortable, especially since I was so focused on figuring out how I should take photos.
I get comfortable by starting small and focusing on details.
I needed to walk around, quietly observe, and to get away from focusing on should so that I could find both a connection to the cemetery and my voice. So, I explored.
Then, it happened; I found light, my constant companion on my photographic journey, and my voice became clear.
As fond memories of my grandparents came to my mind, I found a needed connection with the cemetery. I began to see stories all around me; stories that, I imagine, have been here, waiting to be discovered and shared.
I was no longer thinking about how I should be taking photos; I just did what came naturally. I found a way to capture the story and the respect that pressed so heavily on me when we first arrived at the cemetery.
This photo outing proved to be a much more challenging experience than I anticipated, both personally and photographically; I am thankful for the experience!
Learning about the Harley
Our oldest daughter is really intrigued by car engines and her grandpa’s Harley. When we visit, I often find them in the garage, 
hanging out, and talking shop.
keep opening doors 