For those of you who follow me on Instagram or FaceBook, you will be sure to know how much I lurve taking photos.
It’s my new thang.
Prior to joining up Fat Mum Slim’s Photo a Day challenge, I played it predictably safe with the odd happy snap here and there of the twinlets. Scenery and landscapes came a far second.
The daily themes of the challenge have prompted me to make some experimental risks but beyond that, there’s been some take-away learnings.
Stuff that relates to life because well, doesn’t everything point back that way ?
Seize the moment…
Our neighbours had – what I thought – a beautiful tall thin tree. In the early morning light, its tiny leaves would dart and dance with the gentle rays of sunlight. It’s unassuming existence could make a dreary chore like hanging laundry a pleasant experience. I would always tell myself that I needed to take a photo.
“Tomorrow. I’ll snap it tomorrow,” said the procrastinator in me .
But, with no word or warning, the tree vanished.
I kicked myself with regret but it became the innate reminder to never hesitate again.
Being honest with myself…
These days, I keep a better check on my mood and emotions. Because when I’m crabby or dog-tired exhausted, the inspiration well runs dry. At that point, it’s futile to try and create something I actually don’t see. Time to step away from the camera and recharge the creative battery instead. After an absence, that first photo I take rarely lets me down.
When in doubt, post it !
Fearing rejection, I was reluctant to post certain photos. What if no one is as captivated by it as me ? But I eventually discovered that IG is an amazing community of people who are actually interested in seeing the world through my eyes…in all its beauty and flaws. The photos where I had the most apprehension have been the ones best received.
Watching for the pitfalls…
On the flipside, I’ve discovered that life in photography is not always through rose coloured in-built iPhone cameras. In trying to capture a moment, there is the danger of not being a part of it.
A little while ago, we had a family outing to the park. As I was busily snapping away at the scenery, Mr Surfer was taking photos of the boys. He came up with some real gems. When it came to downloading them on our big computer, I saw a handful of photos of me in the background. My head was buried in my iPhone, oblivious to the happy on-goings of my own family.
It made my heart sink.
A friend once told me, if it’s worth remembering, you won’t need a camera.
Partially agree.
I think it’s a delicate balance of facing a circumstance and deciding what to do with it.
Are you big on taking photos ? Or do you prefer to savour the moment ?
Linking up with the lovely Jess at Diary of a SAHM and the ever awesome Team IBOT…
Ai Sakura says
Being the Gemini that I am, both actually hahah
I love snapping photos because I want to share thr moment. With people who are not there or just something I want to keep forever. There’s never going to be another moment of Lil Pumpkin’s first day in school, even if we can reenact the photo moment, it’s just not the same.
However, I know that there are some moments whereby I know I have to be in there fully. Like family holidays where I’ll snap but make sure it’s just that and not posting or socializing online. I try to anyway.
Ai Sakura recently posted..Leaving on a Jet Plane ♪
mamagrace71 says
First day of school is definitely one you want to keep forever, Ai.
Glad to hear that I’m not the only one that makes a conscious effort to be completely “there”. These are the days I’m going to want to keep in my heart and head as much as on a digital photo x
Penny says
Oooo good post Gracie. I was just going to comment on how I thought your photography really was improving so much, not that you were ever crap but I’ve noticed that your photos are being taken from different angles with richer colours that create a deeper mood.
You’ve got to watch that it doesn’t taek over your life. It’s very addictive!
Penny recently posted..Short Tale Tuesday – Rhino
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Penny-licious! I thought it was just because I had upgraded to the iPhone 4 that my photos were getting better…lol! I need to accept that I’m actually getting better at this 🙂
Yup, keeping under control can be an issue. But I’m keeping a watchful eye on it 🙂
Rachel from Redcliffe Style says
What a lovely post. Your photos are beautiful. I take a lot of photos but have stopped carrying my SLRaround because I wasn’t in the moment and seemed to be recording moments of someone else’s life. Now I use the iphone but try to participate too. Rachel x
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mamagrace71 says
That’s a great idea, Rachel. There are days when I’ve even forgotten my iPhone and although I panic for the first 5 seconds…after that it’s fine. And maybe I need to keep “forgetting” my iPhone to remind me to be in the moment 🙂
Kristyn says
These are brilliant mama grace!!! Keep at it!
Kristyn recently posted..The thing about the Bento box
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, K! From a professional photographer, that was a HUGE compliment !!! 😉
Jess says
I remember once making an effort to video record a family Christmas, and then realising I hadn’t gotta be part of it at all, so I rarely do it any more, and often forget to take photos.
I like the tiny beans photo challenge because it reminds meto take more photos of the kids, but also because I’m not interested in taking a photo of food or whatever. I have appreciation for the great shots taken by others, but it’s not something I’m partial to.
I love seeing others enjoy it though, and my IG feed filled with photos I wouldn’t even think to take.
Jess recently posted..The Power of One
mamagrace71 says
The Tiny Beans Photo challenge is a nice one, isn’t it ? I’ve made one attempt at it but despite my obsession with photography at the moment, I think trying to do 2 challenges might be too much for even me…lol! 🙂
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
I am utterly hopeless at photography, and I barely even bother any more. My camera of choice is my iPhone, which has a cracked camera lens. So, won’t be getting any of my pics printed for the family album. I don’t even use instagram – what kind of a blogger am I? But your photography – stunning. Really.
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..Every child is an artist, until they have to write an essay.
mamagrace71 says
Naw, thanks Rachel! I kinda really just fell into it all…After I got my iPhone 4, that was it for me. Hook, line and (photography) sinker.
What kind of blogger are you ? A friggin’ awesome one 🙂 x
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB says
I love seeing your photos on facebook. You definitely have an eye for a good shot. Looking forward to meeting you at Blogopolis! x
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mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Catherine! That’s sweet of you!
And yes!!! 3 weeks till Blogopolis! I can’t wait to meet you!
LittleWhiteDove says
I’m a photographer, so recording not participating is an occupational hazard, and one I’m working hard to break!
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mamagrace71 says
Ooooh, I can just imagine! Just had a peek through your blog and some of the photos…gorgeous ! 🙂
carmen says
I admit to being a photographer… I have thousands of my children. Having that diagnosis that tells you your child might not be around one day, you suddenly focus on the here and now. And capturing it. To remember.
My family is my main focus… I just don’t tend to post many of those ones publically.
I love your pics Grace! Hope you find that balance! xxXOoo
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mamagrace71 says
I love how taking photos can remind you to focus on the here and now. We have our computer screen set to show our entire photo album from when the boys were born to now. I love those random photos that pop up and make me go, “Ah, I remember that moment…”
I had a peek through the photos you have of your children on your blog…beautiful !
Lyndal says
You take such amazing gorgeous photos!!!
I do agree though, it is such a fine line between missing the moment and capturing it, one I think we are all learning x
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mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Lyndal! It’s a balance that I’m determined to find 🙂 x
Née says
I absolutely love your photos. They are the ones I always look for in my IG feed 🙂 My husband always growls at me for taking so many pictures, I know why I do it (there is probably a post there in itself) but I do strive for balance more these days. Keep snapping Mama Grace xx
Née recently posted..{IBOT} The REAL school mums of RBP
mamagrace71 says
Oh wow, Nee! That’s a massive compliment, thank you ! 🙂
Yes, Hubby growls at me too but when I saw those photos for myself…that’s when the reality check kicked in. You keep taking those beautiful photos too, my dear ! x
Veronica @ Mixed Gems says
I’ve loved seeing your photos in the challenge. You really have a great eye. I’ve enjoyed the challenges myself, as you know, for how they’ve stretched me. I really need to learn to use my DSLR properly though and take more of my kids. I don’t publically post about them so I don’t take as many photos of them as I think I should. I do find I need to learn to be in the moment too. I sometimes spend too much time on the other side but I feel my memory’s not as sharp as I’d like sometimes (perpetual sleep deprivation perhaps?) so the images help bring back the memories and the moments.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..No such thing as an unimportant day
mamagrace71 says
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record, but you’ve inspired me with this whole photography gig! If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t joined in on the challenge or be inspired to use IG with a little more “flair”
I love looking back at all the photos when the boys were still newborns because they were definitely sleep deprived days and I would’ve forgotten a lot if not for all those photos.
Denyse Whelan says
Iphone…Iphoto…Ido… a lot. In fact would it surprise you that despite culling, I “still” have more than 11000 pics on the MacBookPro….
My life’s presence is based on the VISUAL. LOVE what I see, can see something in anything…and find a shape that’s interesting, or a simple thing that I want to photograph.
I “can” understand that photography can take you away from moments you need to store in your heart and head, not on the camera roll…but without some physical memories in the form of pics days and weeks will pass and your boys will be more grown up.
So, yes I am a HUGE fan of the IG movement, the #photoaday too because it connects me with many (including you) and as the family photographer (yes, they groan no more pics) everyone is always pleased when they need a photo or two for an occasion such as a tribute or a book.
Keep snapping G.
D.xx
Denyse Whelan recently posted..Seasons Of Life.
mamagrace71 says
One thing I love about visiting your place is all your beautiful family photos. Makes your home so cosy and warm (I know I’ve said this before).
And yes, they may all groan about how you take all the photos but I guess that’s your job isn’t it ? To be the one to remind others just how important these moments are.
Love how I connect with you through IG too, D xxx
Bridget says
I find myself missing moments because I’m trying to capture them too. What you say is right, you won’t need the photos if the memory is sweet enough – but it’s nice to have them anyway.
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mamagrace71 says
Yeah, it’s just a fine balance, isn’t it ? I know I don’t always need to be behind the camera and my husband growls at me when he thinks I’m there too often. But then he always loves seeing the photos. So, everyone’s happy in the end 🙂
Misha says
What a thought provoking post! Having just put together a photobook for my dad (going back 3 generations), I see the importance of documenting the important moments… they go so fast. But like anything, I guess it’s important to try and find some balance. I love the quote too. x
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mamagrace71 says
Awesome quote, isn’t it ?
I love how photography has really opened my eyes (and my mind) to all sorts of new and exciting learnings.
And how awesome is that photo book that you’ve created. Hope you’ll be doing a post on that too !
Rhonda - Silly Mummy says
I love photography and I’ve been meaning to save up for a good camera. But life gets in the way, each time.
Well done with your photos! and such a great post. Reminds me, I still haven’t sent off my latest photobook to be printed. Better make some time to do it this month.
Rhonda – Silly Mummy recently posted..Tough Mums Cry Too
mamagrace71 says
Oooh, that’s the next thing I want to get into, Rhonda…making photo books!
Nicole says
Great post, obviously I always take the camera when we go places, but for me that is me enjoying the day, it doesn’t mean I don’t stop to do other things too, but the camera is never far. I love those photos.
Nicole recently posted..Winter Holidays
mamagrace71 says
Yes, I’m glad you’ve added in the perspective of a photographer. And it sounds like you’ve got that balance too.
Am loving your photos on IG, Nicole !
Mum of Adult Kids says
That’s a very profound post! 🙂 I think we can do both. Be here in the now and enjoy all that is taking place, in the moment, while recording that moment in an image to be enjoyed, celebrated and remembered. I try to look through my eyes, take in the surrounds before I look from behind the lense of my camera or phone.
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mamagrace71 says
That’s a great point! Take in the surroundings first then take the photo! I’m going to see if that approach helps me in getting my balance.
Deb @ Bright & Precious says
And there I was just then commenting on your other post about your photography skills and I didn’t realise you’d written this! My goodness you are so talented! I have sensed this more and more in the last few months. Such great quality and composition to your photos. I love taking photos too. You’ve inspired me to get back into it. xx
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mamagrace71 says
Oh, thanks, Deb!
I’ve always admired the photos on your blog. And well, you already know I’m a big fan of the photos of your little ones on FB 🙂
It’s still all very new to me, this photography thing. But I really am loving it. I feel like I’m learning so much about myself as I discover more about this new hobby of mine…if that makes sense! xx
Colleen says
Your photos are lovely, I’ve now sent and Instagram request :).
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mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Colleen! Followed you right back ! 🙂 See ya on Instagram ! x