bottom line…

for some reason, in the past few days, i have done a lot of thinking in the midst of busy-ness and downright chaos. i’ve been questioning how i spend my time and what’s really important. for me, i am realizing that it all boils down to relationships. my relationship with God, my husband, my family, my friends, people in general and even myself and how i think of myself. i love nice stuff and scenery, books, music and my art, but what i really like about these things has more to do with who i’m with. if i’m not enjoying these things with the people i love, it’s empty. another key thing that i realize, is that i need my relationships to be real. i’m not into conforming to fit in with the people i’m with….i need to be able to be real no matter who i’m with. and i think i’m doing that. i don’t think there’s ever been a time in my life when i’ve had friends who i have been more able to be fully myself with, than now. i don’t think i change according to who i’m with. there have been times in the past when i acted a certain way around a group of friends and another way with another group of friends. frankly, i don’t have the energy to do this anymore. maybe it has something to do with aging? or maybe i am just slow and figured this out later in life? i don’t think it’s ever been a radical matter for me, but however subtle it’s been, there was a time when it was there. i think there is something so freeing and peaceful about being who you are, no matter who is around. not trying to impress anyone or hide behind a persona or withdrawing because of insecurity. because i don’t want to be misunderstood, i do want to clarify that i’m not justifying insensitive behavior toward others, “because i’m going to be who i am, with no regard for anyone who might be offended”. not at all. i don’t think that’s appropriate at all.  i do know there are times to hold my tongue. i could go on and on about this topic, because i have been thinking about the aspect of living in a bubble too and only spending time with people who share common values, and i don’t think that is necessarily a good idea either. although it does make it a bit easier to be yourself. anyway, it’s monday and i guess i’m starting the week with some deep thoughts : )

 

i think this relates perfectly to my  love of photography and specifically photographing people. i love not only capturing who people are, but also how they interact with each other. once again, i see that it’s not just about the images where everyone is looking at the camera, smiling a big cheesy smile, it has more to do with a geniune expression or look. there are times when i feel like i have to deprogram people from the typical “say cheese” look and connect with them and find a way to bring out who they really are. it might be that a big cheesy grin IS fitting. i just want to make sure that i catch the true essence of a person. it’s always the most attractive….well almost always! i’ve been fortunate to photograph primarily good quality people!

this is too much on a monday morning, right? ha! oh well, i can’t just write fluff. it wouldn’t be real!

i photographed barrett last week, and so enjoyed how expressive and animated he is! it’s such a beautiful thing!

 

 



this is what i’m talking about!











this shoot represents everything i love about photographing children. the enthusiasm that can’t hold back. it makes me excited about life!

tomorrow, i’m planning to share jared and beth’s official engagement photos. i love them and i think j & b approve too.

God bless your day today!