I shared this on my personal blog today but felt it was something appropriate to share here on my photography blog. 

Something I wrote on a back of a piece of paper awhile ago.  I just found it this morning and thought it was so true.  Sometimes I will lay down to go to sleep at night and my mind begins to swirl with thoughts.  I will start to put sayings, poems and thoughts into sentences.  Often if I like it or do not want to forget it, I will get up and go into my office, find a piece of paper, and record it.  I just know that by morning it will all be gone from my mushy brain. 

Somewhat random thoughts, free flowing inspired words and phrases. 

"To capture those everyday expressions, to immortalize the "here and now".  These images we believe to have been imprinted on our minds and in our hearts forever, only to have them stolen from us by the passing of time.  To remember those we love, so that time can not rob us of the memories we cherish.  It is my personal goal.  It is my wish for you.  It is the ultimate gift to myself and my family.". 

Hmmm…. deep but true.  I think I wrote this after Jeff’s grandmother passed away (early Oct.).  It made me really evaluate why I take pictures of my family.  What truly motivated me?  What was my true purpose behind taking photos?  Why do we, as humans, feel this compelling need to take pictures?  Do we really just want those images of our kids smiling at the camera??.  Will it effectively tell us, years from now, what was happening at that moment in time?  Does it serve to remind us of the good times and the memories we shared?  I know!  Alot of questions.  Yet, it is the main reason why I encourage parents and others to pick up the camera and take pictures of their children just "being them".  Don’t ask them to look at you.  It might even be a challenge to have them not look at you or the camera.  We so often train them to look at the camera each time someone holds it up.  It is what takes the most time to overcome during my sessions.  The mentality of "say cheese".  so I challenge you to approach your photography differently.  Hide behind something if you have to in order to capture your children doing those things they really love.  Have you camera around your neck enough that the kids just begin to get bored with you and ignore you.  That is when you will see their true smiles come through. Then capture it!!

Some photos of my kids enjoying a new product I found.  They call it "space foam" and "floam" on the infomercials.  It is cool foam pellets that stick together.  They played with it all afternoon creating different things.  Using their imagination.  I love to see them do this!

Keagan created a guy on a skateboard! 

Very cool.  MJ created a popsicle and a bear.

When I look at these I see my 7 year old and 4 year old enjoying spending time together.  Using their young minds and imaginations.  When I look at these in years to come I am hoping it can bring me back to this day and remember all the fun they had at this young age.  I will remember that they loved to use their hands, to create. 

Don’t forget the details!!  They make the story and the memories complete.  I am going to add more "text" right on the pictures here.  I can use all the help I need with my memory.

I need to pick up my camera more often and photograph my own kids!  Admittedly I am bad at this.  It is hard to remember to do it when you are busy doing it for work all the time.  Yet, I don’t want to forget why I fell in love with photography…. it was because I loved to photograph my own children! 

Go have fun and be different with your camera today.  Use it creatively.  Think outside the box.  Capture those memories!!

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