This Is Life

As a stay-at-home mom, I found myself searching for something to keep me in the moment, present, content with what was happening at any moment.  It was easy to watch the days pass by with out ever really “accomplishing” anything.  But then I would think how fun it was to paint with the kids, lay on the floor with them and play or make a mess in the kitchen while they “helped” me make dinner.

At about the same time, I realized that these were moments I’d never get back.  I didn’t want to be the kind of mom, or person who was always waiting… You know, “When she can walk, this will be better.” or “After they’re in school, I’ll have time to…”. I just wanted to be present for each and every little thing.  Whether it was putting a puzzle together with my big girl, or holding my baby girl through her nap, I just want to enjoy it all.  So, I came up with a kind of mantra for myself.  When I would find myself wishing away playtime to get to nap time, I would tell myself, “This is life.”  Right now. Right here. Enjoy.

So, when I think about my style of photography, I think about capturing the little things that make up life.  If I can capture a stage in a baby’s life, or an expression that defines a personality, I can feel like I’m capturing a little bit of now, a little bit of this moment.  This is life…