Friday, July 31, 2009

confessions of a photo junkie












madison grace~~ seaside '09


i thought i might need to explain the whole excessive photo taking issue that i confessed a few entries ago. despite taking over 2,500 images, surprisingly i really didn't feel that i had the camera in front of my face during my entire vacation.

i think for those of us that enjoy taking photos its really all about balance. the balance between wondering if i'm going to miss a moment that i want to tangibly capture forever vs the should i just put my camera down & be in the moment.


for me, many fun activity moments i usually do not even have my camera out---the recent family trip to the Atlanta Braves for example..nope , no camera. its funny how many times my girls will say...."what, you didn't even bring your camera?!" but rather, i enjoy capturing them in their world....cheering, dressed up for a dance, a good hair day, whatever. for years emi hated having her picture taken. honestly, as soon as i pulled it out of the bag she would morph into a completely different child. often times looking quite forlorn. this summer she was just beside her self excited about all the potential "photoshoots" as she called them. she talked about how she might do her hair, the outfits she'd wear, the jewelry. she frequently would ask me " can you take my picture here". i loved it!

i think there's something that makes the object of a photo feel special , feel cherished, when we take the time or make the "sacrifice" in making the effort or taking the time to capture those moments. i love taking my girls out individually & just doing a little impromptu picture taking , whether on a snowy day or an evening out in the field. my reward is seeing how happy they are when they view the finished product....when they are able to see through a photograph just how beautiful they are

how beautiful i see them

there's something just magical about the shore to me. i feel so at peace. like nothing bad is going to happen while i'm there. the sound of the crashing waves. the amazing miracle that those waves know just where to stop on the sand. the beautiful vastness of the ocean. the color of everyone's cheeks after a day playing outside. the fact that i don't have to cook dinner-just seeing if you're still paying attention. most years, i'll only see a handful of seaside sunsets. i want to hold those moments. i want to look over them year after year.

i love the images of little one's toes in the sand
little girls building sandcastles
white dresses on a sunkissed girl

so yes, i did enjoy the moments. many of them. meanwhile capturing a "few" for my forever too

19 comments:

Kate said...

Oh...and you have such a wealth of subjects at you beck and call...beautiful each one! Like you, I hav e a lot of photos...but did not feel like I was behind the camera during our whole beach week. When we took Lia to an amusement park, my husband was surprised I didn't want to bring the camera...but it's so much better to choose moments carefully...and enjoy the moment too!!! These are all beautiful Paige!!

Jodee said...

Adorable beach pictures!

Tara said...

Your girls are gorgeous!! I agree with you Paige, being one that loves to take photos, I often find my favorite photos are the impromtu ones, where I just get cute little feet, friends laughing, a moment between loved ones, et...those are my favorite. And 2500 pictures...is well worth the time you took them in memories!

Unknown said...

As I am finding, it is the creative outlet that photography offers that is also so appealing. Gorgeous photos!

:) T

Jboo said...

What a great post. I can see the joy and beauty in each of your girls -- you do a great job capturing it and it is fun (and will be wonderful in later years) to look back and remember the photos and the wonderful memories!

Have a great weekend.

Janet

Anonymous said...

I so get your passion for the sea! There is peace for me there! I love how you describe the sun hitting the water as sparkling like diamonds. These photos are just simply beautiful and I don't know how you choose which ones get to be hung in your home...

Kasey said...

looky here....I'm on the train just typing away. Beautiful photos dear Paige! Oh how I love the beach....it's so good for our soul.
I'm on my way to new Mexico to bring lola home.

Anonymous said...

i love your pictures and your desire to take so many! i want to follow in your footsteps! you will never have that one specific moment so to have a picture of it is forever priceless! so you keep clicking that camera girl!

julie@jam-n-jilly.blogspot.com

Debra said...

I feel the same way about the shore that you do. There's just something about it...

Great pictures!

mimi charmante said...

And I love that our children will have such wonderful records of all of their most treasured memories. I too am a photo junkie and wish that my parents had been the same~
bon weekend,
xo

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

I think you just have to take a ton of photos because only when you do that, will you get that ONE truly fantastic one... Yours are all just darling!

Farmgirl Paints said...

You don't have to explain. Just look at those gorgeous faces...no wonder you took so many. What a great way to capture this time in your lives. You're very good at it by the way:)

fleur de lis cottage said...

I'm so glad you're a photo junkie because I sure do enjoy each and every one of them!

Petit Coterie said...

Gorgeous photos, 2500 wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing!

Jeanne Oliver said...

That your girls pick outfits and jewelry really proves how much they love...that you love.....to photograph them. I think that is pretty special.

Domestic Bliss & FOUND said...

love your photos! My Dad lives in Seaside- oh how I want to get back there soon! It is so beautiful! Your girls look so sweet.
Have a happy Monday!
xoxo
K

Jo said...

Your photos are lovely ~ each one is a memory worth taking.

I loved your previous post. I, like you, question each day if I've done my very best in raising responsible, respectable and strong individuals. My son went off to UNC last fall and returned a different person ~ more thoughtful, and thankful. It's been wonderful having him home this summer.

Jo

Jen Kershner said...

There is something so calming about the water, isn't there? We felt so content at the lake last week. My hubby is so ready to chuck everything and move to the water. I think I could be convinced. Your girls are truly beautiful!

Shaz said...

Hi there, I have been watching your blog from afar. I really enjoy reading about "your travels through life" and thought it about time I said hi. I also really enjoy listening to your playlist. I would love you to come and visit me. Lovely post.