More and more, my son has been reaching for my camera. It's always been my intention to share photo taking with them but I've never been very good at including them. It's heavy, it's fragile, I'm lazy.
I'm working on letting him in, though. So, yesterday - when I heard the shutter clicking, I resisted the urge to caution him or to tell him that today was not a good day for it.
He took these in the sewing room yesterday and although, like many moms, I have a deep fear of camera lenses - I am saving them.
I was fortunate to participate in a photography class with Thea Coughlin last summer. The camera technique was over my head (due in NO part to her instruction - I was just out of it that day:). But the classwork also included material about the spirit of photography and so much of what she and the other students shared really stuck with me.
I hesitate to try to narrate the details because her presentation was so well articulated. Do help yourself to one of her classes one day, you'll not be sorry!
Suffice it to say that Thea encouraged us all to be photographed. She shared a slideshow with us of her mom, who - like me and practically everyone else in the class, did not appreciate having her picture taken. Her mom is now gone. And she reminded us that those photos are for our families - who are not likely to look back on them with disdain over imperfect skin or the way that their mama looked in jeans.
If you're curious about Thea or her photography projects, or if you're a mom, or a blogging mom, or an aunt or a grandma or a sister, check out her across the room project. Just head on over there and read a bit of what she has to say. It will do your sweet soul some good. Be sure to have your kleenex close at hand.
Love this one he took of his sister, hard at work.
Do you let yourself be photographed? How do you get past the discomfort?
P.S. I was working on a Brigitte Needles and Notions Pouch . I need about four or so of these, upsized in order to fit my longer double points.
Joining the Small Things readers today - head on over for loads of knitterly inspiration.
