I feel so very lucky to be a photographer (and filmmaker).  I remember when Tyler was 2 years old; I didn’t even own a camera (my sister accidentally threw mine down the basement stairs with some dirty laundry). A college classmate was in a photo class and took some really heartfelt photos of him blowing bubbles. They were, and still are, prized possessions of mine. I remember thinking “If only I was a photographer, I could take photos like that of him, photos that capture not just his likeness but his essence, everyday“.  That was 20 years ago (eep!). Now I am a photographer and a filmmaker and the truth is,  I don’t always take advantage of that. It saddens me when I look through my photos from some seasons of life when I was too busy or distracted to capture my kids. I am sure you can relate. 
I want to encourage all the parents out there, whether a photographer or just a parent lucky enough to have a good camera (heck, even a phone), to remember to use what you have; your heart, your eye, your iphone or your dusty DSLR, because it’s a gift to have these memories and it’s a gift you’ll only receive if you pick up your camera and shoot. 
This year I endevoured to take 365 photos, one each day, with my DSLR (you can see them all and follow along here). I made it 2.5 months before I succumbed to insane busyness (we landed two big film jobs that took up incredible time). Despite my setbacks, I am continuing on with the project, even if it means shooting 3-4 photos one day and nothing the day or two after that. I WILL photograph my everyday life this year, my heartfelt moments, because I am no longer that 19 year old single mother with no camera (and of course, no iphone!) and a growing child. I have the tools. We all do.

And I am so glad used them here. Bug is looking at her big sister; a sister who was being unusually nice to her. I love that little-sister face, her dirty arms and legs covered in bruises, Brian’s vintage car . . . everything. Grateful. What if I  hadn’t paused to capture? Sigh.