NOVEMBER 21ST:
Today I am thankful for images of my dad.
At first this may seem like a sad post - but it's not.
I am truly so thankful for the images that I have of my dad and when I look at them I might feel a tinge of sadness that he's not here, but they also make me feel happy. Why? Because they make me remember. It is one of the things that I love most about photography - it stops time. I can look at each one of these images and remember the day, how it felt, what was going on, and I can enjoy the memories.
This is why I always talk about how important it is for you to have FUN at a session. You will think about what was going on when those images were taken, and you want to have great memories. NOT memories of OH MY - that was just dreadful...
Here is what I think about when I look at these:
1: a lovey granddaddy - at Ever's 1st birthday party - she wasn't too sure about him...
2: me practicing trying to catch my dad in a relaxed smile- very difficult. This was taken in 2003 so I was practicing for the start of ARP in 2004
3: On the front porch of our old house. I don't think he could look more proud. He's so happy I didn't even have to worry about a fake smile.
4: Our last Christmas and singing of course... My dad had an amazing voice & if you haven't heard - Fable has his talent.
5: the silly side of my dad - kinda looks like the faces I make in Sessions :)
6: the first ARP studio - he came up to help us get it set up. The saying on his hat is something I remind myself often. ARP would never have started with out his support.
7: I love this image of him. It's bold & confident - he always taught me to shoot for that within myself.
8: a bitter sweet image - the last image I shot of him and the last time I saw him. I looked through the camera and thought - look how beautiful grandmama looks, I should take this, we need more images of her - oh and it's pretty cool dad is in the background. WOW am I glad I shot that image.
Are these image perfect? NO Do I care? NO! Do I love them? YES!!!!!!
And I look at them all of the time.
MY point???
TAKE PICTURES. TAKE PICTURES THIS THANKSGIVING.
IF YOU WANT- I'll even post some tips on Wednesday about how to get better images at family gatherings. BUT you have to tell me you want me to either here or on FB :):):)
Thankful :)
Allison
