Step Out From Behind the Lens

Have you ever found yourself not wanting to be in a photo? As a mom it's much easier to take a million of the precious child in front of you and opt not to be in them. But then I come across photos like this one of my grandparents holding me on my first Easter. They look so beauitful and joyful! Maybe not picture perfect in a model sort of way, but perfect in a capturing the moment way. I can hear my Grammy's laugh when I look at this photo.

It's photos like this that are a reminder that it's important to step our from behind the lens. That a lack of shower or makeup, an extra few pounds, or a face that is aging shouldn't stop anyone from being in a photo, at least some of the time. Just like I want to remember each stage and season of Eva's life, I was her to be able to see that I was there too. I want her to see what her grandparents and great-grandparents looked like at her Easter's when she was little. I want her to see the laughter on her grandmother's beautiful faces. So the next time somebody wants you to be in the photo remember that it's about so much more than your perception of how you look in the moment. A few awesome examples:

Me, right before I was wheeled into the ER for my c-section with Eva. No make up. Hours of labor. Crazy tangled hair. But I remember that excitement of knowing my baby was about to be here and that's what I see in this photo.

Eva and Mallory with their great-grandmother, Mamaw on their first Thanksgiving. Can't you just feel how tightly and lovingly she was holding those sweet little girls? I bet her heart was so happy in that moment!

Eva and my Dad. My Dad may be a bit camera shy but you can see that they are both laughing and enjoying each other in this moment! I can flash back to seeing them wrestling and giggling on our playroom floor.

Take more photos :)