Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs.  This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.”  Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 12 is complete.  I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.

Is it really month #8? Is it really the end of March? With each passing year the months seem to fly by at warp speed, faster and faster than the year before. Anymore, I crave a simple life with a minimalist schedule just to be able to breath and enjoy all that’s around me rather than constantly looking back and wondering where it all went.

So this month, bronchitis and the stomach flu moved in with us and decided to stay, together, for 3 long weeks to torment us all. Exhausted and wrung out, I was afraid I might have to pass on my favorite project as a result (ok lets face it, currently my only photo project of which I would not be posting at all had I not joined).  However, when the Strawberry Festival came around this year I was determined not to miss it. The weather was a bit chilly and windy but perfect for all that walking around so we packed up the girls…even Gage decided to tag along… and off we went. Not sure why but I am kind of obsessed with carnival images captured Lensbaby style and I look forward to pulling that lens out when the fair comes to town. Although I always come home and wonder what I was thinking, because of all the shots lost to that blurred out dreaminess that this lens brings. I have had this one for about 6 years…it was actually my first lens… but have yet to really master it and still chasing that sweet spot. But its such a fun way of looking at life, I think.

And every now and then, I manage to catch a few that make my heart full of joy. Addy looking for her “missing” brother at our meet up spot at the end of the day. And she spots him…..You would never know they fight like cats and dogs. And a few from the iPhone…

Next in our circle is the lovely leah zawadzki | lilyblue.  Cannot wait to see what she has been up to this month. Hope you will join me in checking out all the posts for this month and follow the links until our circle is complete.

Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs.  This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.”  Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 12 is complete.  I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.

…………………………………………………………………….

When your very first baby is placed in your arms, you wish for a manual with instructions on how to care for them. When they become teenagers, you wish for a different guide. Not so much for yourself, but one in which to pass onto them, with instructions for navigating life in all its complexities.

Jesse, my first born, turns 17 today. And I find myself in a panic. In one more year he will be an adult, college bound. Did I do enough to prepare him? Did I lead and guide him well, teach and give him the tools to succeed, allow his mistakes and challenges to mold him into a young man of character? Did I take enough pictures? Well that is a big fat no on the later, sadly.

In such a fast paced social media driven world, how do you stay one step ahead of them? How dare you even act like you “understand” what they are going through….even tho you know that parts of your own teen life experiences are somehow relevant enough to compare. I do my best to draw from my past to guide him, but even as torturous as it was and with all the advice I have to give, I cannot help but wonder if my words are actually sinking in.

We’re close, Jess and I. (Thank you God!) That doesn’t mean we always see eye to eye or that I don’t nag the heck out of him over the daily stuff. But I’ve learned when to give him space and when to press. Still learning how to let go sometimes, and not meddle or fix things for him. That I have found, to be one of the most difficult things to do as a parent.

Some days I find him like this. Sitting on his bed with the weight of the world hanging around his shoulders.

Choices, emotions, expectations, responsibilities, uncertainties, chaos, facebook, college, disappointments, the future. (Sound familiar?)  All these things lead to a lot of in depth conversations between him, his dad and I.  So I asked him on this particular day, sensing his need for some encouragement, if I could photograph him during one of our chats. He said yes. A little stunned that he was actually ok with me taking his picture, I decided to shoot with film which, for me, removes the distraction of checking the back of my camera and restricts me to a limited number of frames, keeping my focus solely on him.

My wonderful mom gave me some sage advice one evening while listening to me fret over these frantic teen years….. Just get them through it. How very simple. I find myself thinking those five easy words when things get rough, when I am racked with worry, compromising on things I never imagined I would. Just get him through it. Day by day, moment by moment, from the joys to the drama….just get him through to the other side. Safe, intact, whole and above all else, ready.

So Happy Birthday my son. Seems like just yesterday I was hearing your heart beat for the first time. Every year I get to relive the wonder of this special day and I am bursting with pride for the young man you are becoming. And all this weight you’ve been carrying around in your head, it is just a sign of how much you care. You are wise beyond your years. Your music fills my soul. Your laughter and sense of humor invigorates me. I know that you will find your way in this world. My hope for you is that no matter where life takes you or which career path you choose, you will always find joy. Be true to yourself and know that you are loved just as dearly now as the day you were born.

All images captured with a Mamiya 645 pro TL | Film choice Fuji Pro 400H

The rest of the month was instagram….

Next in our circle, and new to our group this month, is the incredibly talented leah zawadzki | lilyblue.  Her work is exquisite, and inspirational. Hope you will sit back and enjoy all the posts for this month and follow the links until our circle is complete.

Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs.  This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.”  Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 12 is complete.  I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.

…………………………………………………………………….

Last weekend, Gage- my 15 year old, flew a plane for the second time and I was so lucky to have been given the opportunity to tag along. This kid amazes me….I think he is so brave and I admire the focus and drive he has for his future. His passion for flying is something to be marveled.

From my perspective. I am 5′ 11”  pushing 6′ and cramped places are really not my thing as I tend to get a little claustrophobic, not to mention I have only flown a few times in my life. So after folding myself up like origami to get inside the plane, I knew that 30 mins of flight time was going to feel more like 100. And thank goodness for our amazing Florida winter weather because these babies are not air conditioned. But no matter, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world and would do it again in a heart beat.

moiRear view. You can see a Delta plane in the distance heading for take off down the runway. We are next!Take off! View of SRQ and Dolphin Aviation.I love this. He is doing what he loves. Totally relaxed, checking out the view below…..

At this point, there were only 3 things rotating through my mind…

1. Oh my God, I cannot believe that is my little boy up there flying a plane.

2. Sweet Jesus please tell me someone remembered to bring a sick sack.

3. Man we live in a beautiful place! Have to remember that the next time I start whining about the weather or traffic.

Gage’s instructor, Vince was amazing. So trusting of his prior experience in the simulator and previous flight, and incredibly patient. Completely put my nerves at ease as well.

A few iPhone captures…

Gage first expressed an interest in flying about 3 years ago. I kept waiting for it to fade, like karate, drums or football. But it never waned. His desire to fly has grown stronger each year. So here we are in his freshman year of high school, talking very seriously about a blueprint for his future. Courses, ROTC, colleges, the Air Force Academy. Last summer, Gage attended an Aviation Camp at Cirrus Aviation. I was so impressed with how his experience with Cirrus and the instructors there turned his dream into a reality, and gave him a glimpse at a future of possibilities. The images below are from his last day of camp, and his first flight.

And finally, a little footage of his take off and landing… (video is a little shaky as it was a pretty windy day and I was moving around a lot, just trying not to miss a thing!)

Next month, we start working on his driving, and I will find some dye for these grey hairs I am suddenly sprouting : )

Now follow me on over to check out the fabulous Shalonda Chaddock | Chubby Cheek Photography | Houston Photographer. She just joined us and I am so anxious to see her take on this month!

Canon eos3 | Kodak Porta 400

Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs.  This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.”  Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 13 is complete.  I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.

…………………………………………………………………….

As the end of this month approached and I knew this project was coming due, I felt I would have nothing to show for it. Yet somehow I had managed to pick up my camera even when it was the last thing I felt like doing (which was most of the time) and capture some pretty important milestones. Life gets complicated, messy and above all else, exhausting. I love this project. I hate commitments but I love this project and the gift of images it has brought to my life.

 What Growing Up Looks Like

Something funny happened this year after my daughters 5th birthday. No longer clad in layers of tutu’s, tierras, leggings and tacky jewels, our sweet Addy girl grew up. I carelessly looked the other way, and she grew up. All those dress up clothes have been replaced with sassy boots and an attitude. She even walks differently….what is that about?  All I know is that I am clinging to her childhood and so happy when I catch a few glimpses of my baby girl still in there….like how she wears her princess socks everywhere and still needs her pink blanket to sleep. Maybe she is clinging too.

And we now must have fancy haircuts to go with our sassy boots

December was a month of milestones for Lila Jayne.

New foods

A first haircut

 New discoveries (and frustrations)

First steps

First words- “Tucker” was added to her growing collection.

And what felt like her first Christmas. Last year on Christmas day, Lila was all of 25 days new making this year feel more like her first.

Disclaimer: My half-pre-lit disorganized tree was a disaster as well a my manual focusing.

But, I love that I caught this. When Lila discovers something new, it is such a marvel to watch. She pauses, takes it all in. First, she will curl her little hands in towards her body, tuck in her chin and give careful thought to the new object before her. Such as the little birdie ornament she discovered. After careful consideration of how to pick the thing up, she manages to not only grasp it “correctly” but to hang it on the tree. She is so proud of herself! And then… oh crap. It falls back to the floor.  So she looks up to see how sissy does this hanging thing because she is so amazing to watch do big girl things. And of course her big sis comes to her rescue, “Here baby, I will show you”,  and gently teaches her a new skill and a new tradition. Sigh….

And of course a month would not be complete without a collection of iPhone favorites

Now lets head on over to see the wenderful Wendy VonSosen | San Francisco Bay Area Photographer.  Always so excited to take a peek into her world…

I had so much fun with you girls! Cannot wait to show you the rest

Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs.  This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.”  Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 12 is complete.  I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.

…………………………………………………………………….

November is quite a busy month for us, bringing with it 3 birthdays in 10 days and Thanksgiving falling right in between. Fun yes, insane, absolutely! Addy turned 5, Lila 1, and Gage turned 15. 15! I barely lived through having 1 teen driver, and here we go again. So I have always wanted to do a sweet shoppe themed party, and thought this would be the perfect time since it only made sense to throw a dual girls party. Gage was easy….dinner out with just the 6 of us, his request. Simple, and I love that : ) As for the party, what a challenge to be hostess and get both “pretty” images as well as candids.

And a month of pictures would not be complete without a few  iPhone images. Along with the simple everyday stuff,  we somehow managed to squeeze in parades, farmers markets and hitting a few favorite antique shops in between the birthday/holiday madness.

Next in our circle is Wendy VonSosen | San Francisco Bay Area Photographer .  I hope you will follow the circle with me

Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs.  This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.”  Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 12 is complete.  I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.

…………………………………………………………………….

True story. Every year, once October hits, the fall fantasies start brewing in my mind of all the priceless images I want to catch of my kids. You know you’ve had the vision:  Fields of multicolored pumpkins as far as the eye can see with your darling children dressed in fall garb nestled ever so sweetly between perfectly shaped gourds.  Well, long story short, for me this is usually the end result of all that day dreaming:

(Is that a stem coming out of her head, or is that a horn?)

Hardly the fantasy. Instead, an impromptu stop at a roadside patch at 6:00 in the eve with a hungry babe, wearing pink for corn’s sake, freshly woken from her nap and a long list of places to go and things to accomplish. I usually walk away pretty discouraged wondering why I can never seem to realize my Halloween dreams amid a very busy life. You know, this is why I am so happy this project is here to pull me out of that mind set. Life doesn’t always lend to creating those perfect situations. They require planning, patience and time….all three seem to be lacking from my life these days. So rather than going for perfect this year, I did my best to capture just-as-they-are….

Pulling out Halloween decorations

Addison singing,  “Where is pinky” to me.  Love all those silly preschool songs.Lila was a big help with all her smiles. So we made it a point this year to hit as many fall festivals as possible. Keeping true to “lifestyle” is not always easy. But for the most part I tried to just step back and be present in the moment. And sometimes stepping back too far lands you in goat poo.But its all good! In the end, a little mix of everything makes for beautiful memories and a mommy with a bit more sanity. Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to set the camera down and just be in the now. A box full of memories will never replace the most important thing of all…..connecting with and living the moments with your kids.

And lastly, October as seen through the iPhone…

Next in our circle is  Wendy VonSosen | San Francisco Bay Area Photographer. Cannot wait to see how she spent the month of October!

Had it not been for this commitment, I can honestly say I may not have taken one single still image this month. At all. After pouring my heart into our first post last month, I was seriously creatively tapped out. And then it happened…an ordinary evening, Addy caught my eye as she moped about the house, longing for her daddy to come home. It’s the same question, repeated several times on the days I am home with her… “Mommy, when’s daddy coming home?”, usually laced with a whine.  And the same answer each time, “At four o’clock baby, lets go look at the clock and I will show you.”  On the rare occasion that daddy works late I am usually in for it with a pouty little girl missing  her beloved dad and this day was no exception. I usually try to keep her busy, and now that she’s in pre-school the wait isn’t so terribly bad. Still, I will find her staring out the window, looking for him, waiting…

And waiting…

On this particular evening, before I could catch up to her after her bath, before we could pick out her favorite jammies and comb her tangled wet hair, before watching ‘the night-night show’ for just 10 more minutes 10 times over, before that last minute snack or picking out bedtime stories (2 short or 1 long) she jumped into my desk chair and dialed daddy’s cell.  Thankfully the camera had been locked and loaded with film and a few remaining frames.

My only regret is not grabbing pictures of daddy coming home later that evening sneaking in to give her a goodnight kiss on her forehead while she slept. 

All Images captured on a Canon EOS 3 35mm | Fujifilm Neopan 100 Acros black and white

Now follow me on over to view Wendy VonSosen | San Francisco Bay Area Photographer‘s post! I cannot wait to see what she was up to this month!

Its crazy hot here in Florida. Looking forward to our cooler winter months.

This will be my last video for a while. Need a break from this computer.