11/18/2025
I've been rather quiet on here for the last few months even though its busy season. Many of you who know me personally know the reason but if you aren't aware, we lost my mom just over a month ago.
One thing I took away during this time is an enhanced view of the importance of this little "side gig" of mine. I've always loved capturing people, in their real state. But I realized that many times, at events or weddings, I tended to focus on the main person of interest most of the time. However, when we look back at weddings, birthday parties, celebrations, anniversary gatherings, we want to also remember the people that are there to celebrate with us. We had hundreds of photos we sifted through, cried over, and laughed about of my Mom as we put together a slide show for her Celebration of Life. Most were either older posed photos or candids from the recent years of grandkids birthdays and holiday gatherings. This photo, however, was a sweet candid portrait, taken by my dear friend and fellow photographer, Allison Lyons. It was from my daughter's birthday party and there more like it of other guests. As a photographer myself, I should have had tons like this....but I didn't. This was the favorite. This is what we chose to use at her service at the front of the room. This was on her obituary. Featuring her classic, joy-filled smile from ear to ear. It wasn't taken at a session featuring her....it was at her grand-daughters 1st birthday party.
I have wished that I had set up a little lifestyle session for my Mom. One of her favorite things to do was garden and make pickles. Something she even did between hospital stays in June and August this year. I have a mental image of the exact photograph I would have taken of her standing in her kitchen with soft morning light pouring in the window while she filled the glass jars to the brim and wiped each rim off. That same granddaughter would have stood beside her, learning how to carry on that tradition....even if she doesn't like pickles herself.
So, take the photo, or set up a session that captures your loved ones doing what they love, and don't be afraid to be in the photos. For many, they are the key to every memory.
