Behind the scenes

In our Intro to Photography workshop, we talked about using storytelling in our photographs to capture special moments in our children's lives.  I realized that I take a lot of photographs that tell the story of my children, but I don't really document the things that happen behind the scenes, yet are a large part of my life as a mama.

Here's something I spend a fair amount of time doing:  making baby food.  Although I will be preparing food for my children for at least the next 18 years, I won't be making baby food for much longer.  This is yesterday's batch (it was a veggie and grains day):  carrots, zucchini, parsnips, sweet potatoes, beets, butternut squash, and quinoa.  (Tomorrow will be fruits and meat, but I won't take photographs of that because I will be happy to never be reminded of what it's like to puree meat.)

Buddies

There's something so endearing about the way preschoolers play together. These two have been buddies since they were babies, and I love seeing how their play changes as they get older.  I can't help but wonder what secret message they are communicating in the second picture!

Color and water

I have a little boy who would spend the entire day watering various things with the garden hose if he could, and a little girl who looks good in every color of the rainbow...even all at the same time. So of course, I take pictures.

Light and movement

I've been playing around a bit with light, trying to find interesting ways to use the somewhat challenging natural light in my house. There are only so many times I can convince the kids to hang out in the front corner of the living room, between 10:00 – 10:25 AM, and look up while I climb up on the bench to take pictures. That may get me the best light in the house, but it’s not exactly natural-looking. Nor does it capture the unique moments that make up our days.

As far as movement goes, my Little Miss is the one who is playing around with that. Lately she's been more interested in moving up, so every time I turn around, I find her reaching for something or pulling herself to her knees and trying to get her feet under her. And then I very gently and lovingly push her back onto her bottom, because I am not ready for full mobility.

A large part of why I’m not ready for full mobility is that my son is normally a blur of action. I really love that I managed to catch him in a moment of no movement, watching for the garbage truck through the window in the play room with his beloved Blue near at hand.