Learning
So, this past year has really got me thinking. Those people who really know me probably chuckled when they read that...because I am ALWAYS thinking. ha. But, the events of this past year have really made me think about how I want to go forward and I think that there are some changes a brewing. I will always take pictures...but where will the picture taking take me? And, what about writing? Do I want to just be a photographer or is there something else in store for my creative journey? In the past, I have always searched for those answers within the photographic community. This fall, I have decided to look outside of my comfort zone(I feel pretty comfortable in the photographic community)...so I am taking a couple of classes. The first of which just started(because I don't have enough on my plate right now). I am taking a course called 'Blogging Your Way' by Holly Becker of Decor8 fame. I used to love blogging, but it has gotten a little stale blogging about sessions regularly. I mean, I love to share my work, but I want there to be more here. I am just not sure what more that could be, so I am going to explore that a bit. If there is something you would like to see here, now is your time to tell me ;) Just saying...
This past year, I have slacked a bit at documenting my own life. I have always said that I would quit the day I didn't have the desire to photograph my own children anymore. Well...this weekend I documented and documented and documented...and now my family is again rolling their eyes at the sight of my camera...here is one of my favourite images from the weekend.
Get In The Picture
There has been a lot of talk the last couple of days on social media about moms getting in the pictures. I know that moms are the most reluctant to have their photos taken. I get to hear them tell me about their insecurities all the time(and we ALL have them)...which sides they think are better, the hair disasters that cause them to reschedule, the baby fat that won't go away, the wrinkles, etc. etc. etc. the list goes on and on. But, I want to say how important it is that we ALL get in the pictures. This holiday weekend(it's thanksgiving here in Canada for all my readers who aren't from here) take LOTS of pictures while your family is together. Be annoying. Be in their face about it.
I took this image last year of my dad and my nephew on Thanksgiving weekend. We had a short extended family session where I just took what worked out and didn't try to organize too much. Well...that was a mistake. I should have sat him down and got each one of us with him. I should have taken MORE pictures while we were all together because it ended up being one of the last times we were able to do it. I didn't want to 'work' on thanksgiving...I wanted to visit...and now...I wish I had one of me with him. But, I don't. Cause I thought we'd have another chance. I thought I took enough. I was wrong.
So, this year, we aren't dressing up and formally taking photos, but I will be annoying and I will take more than usual. Because I can...because those of us who are left are together again for a happy occasion. So...I want to say to everyone who feels insecure about being in front of the camera--moms, dads, grandparents, teenagers...whoever you are. The people who love you don't see your insecurities. They just see you. So...this weekend get in front of the camera with your loved ones. Somewhere down the line you will be thankful you did :)
happy thanksgiving :)
~ Dana
In case you haven't seen the original post I'm talking about here is the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-tate/mom-pictures-with-kids_b_1926073.html
Discovery | Horseshoe Bay, BC
Sometimes a shift can happen and you hardly notice it...it's like one day, you wake up and you are shooting different. There is--always--a journey to the shift and sometimes it is a quiet journey until you can just hear the click happen in your head and your heart.
Other times, the journey is like a loud, thundering train barrelling down the track...pretty much completely out of control...forcing you to examine it's aftermath. Then, when the dust settles, you remember it's been there and you realize why. That is how the last 6 months has felt for me...the dust is settling and I am finding my happy place again.
A peak at some of my favourite recent images...swimming with friends at Whytecliff Park in BC while on holiday. If you want to see more of my vacation, check out our family blog Pughville.com.
~ Dana