Mom vs. Photographer

 As a mom I know the feeling of wanting just the right family photo and wanting at least one photo with smiles. As a photographer I know the reality...  sometimes it doesn’t happen on command. Some of the most beautiful photos can be those capturing a moment without anyone looking at the camera. However, I find myself torn with wanting those smiley photos and also wanting those candid in the moment photos of my family. You just never know what you will get. Last fall, my husband snapped a few of my son and I together. Needless to say, Nixon is not a smile-on-command type of kiddo... But this photographing mama still loves him.

No Smile

My husband is showing a leaf to get that smile...

Nope didn't work

Resort to kisses

and hanging out

More candid 

Big Smiles at the end.

 It is important to relax and just enjoy the moment for whatever it may bring. See more photos on my personal blog: The Diary of a Dame.

Today's Thoughts on Motherhood.

I have taken a lot of time off this last year to focus on being a mom...and some days it feels much like this:

  

... and other days it feels more like this: 

  But most of all- I absolutely *LOVE* being a mom. 

 Because I get to share moments like these and watch:

Wet eyelash clumps

 Serious GQ Model face

Teethy Grins

Shampoo Mohawks

I heart being a mom.

My "inspiration walk"

As many of you may know, I am a counselor and have my own private practice Live Inspired Counseling. I absolutely LOVE to use photography in the work I do. Photography is an AMAZING tool- It not only captures a person’s point of view of the world at that moment but it helps them see outside of themselves and become aware of the beauty right in front of them.

So on occasion we’ll go for an “inspiration walk” where we walk around for ten minutes shooting whatever pops out to us- then we talk more about the emotions or thoughts that come about when we look at the images. I usually have them title their work with the first thing that pops into their mind. It's fun to see what comes and can give insight on how it makes the person feel about what they are seeing. 

It’s amazing the things you will find if you just stop and look at everything existing all around. I often wonder what it's story is? Why is there a t.v. or washer sitting outside in the rain or what is the story of the soda metal thingy (what do you call that?)- and how did it get there?  Here are a few things that I stopped to take notice on my inspiration walk last week- it was raining which made it even more awesome! 

Crackle and Pop

Too much fun last night

Mother Board (not even sure what that means really)

Mysterious Bullet hole

Complete

Broken

Outdoor laundry mat

missing story

first sign of spring

perspective

just around the corner

Already?

How is it that it has already been a year??

Discover: Bianca Merkley

You have to go to this link and read the interview MTV did on my sister! I love her! 

Discover: Bianca Merkley

Ysursa Family Sneak Peak

Reiland Family Sneak Peek...more to come.

The Orosco Family

 What a beautiful family huh? Here are a few more.

  

 

I also heart balloons...and the color pink.

 

Something about Bubbles...

 There is something about Bubbles that make me smile. 

I love them.

 

Photo Detox

How did this happen?This.  

Yep, this is my computer desktop... THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of photos are busting out of the seams of this poor little guy. It's impossible to find anything... and there is not anymore room to add any more! So, I am sending this guy to Rehab for mega Photo Detox. It's time for me to send these photo babies of mine to their permanent home on an external hard drive and start posting on my blog again! I know what you are thinking..."IT'S ABOUT TIME!"

Get ready for a photo marathon...Starting... now. 

Mama MIA?

So it has been FOREVER since I have posted! It's because I went from this:

(photo by Laurie Ruth Photography)

to this:

to this:

That's right, I am now a mom. My little man was born one month earlier than planned! Both he and I are doing awesome now! It is just adjusting to no sleep and LOTS and LOTS to catch up on! More posts coming your way!

 I LOVE being a mama!