On February 1st, I participated in a “Day in the Life” shooting project for a G+ community. The afternoon light in my kitchen can be lovely (for about five minutes) so I plopped Danny down on a blanket and called Tommy over to hold the big white foam core board that I use as a reflector. While I stopped clicking to check the exposure, Tommy stuck his head over the board, playing peek-a-boo with Danny. Luckily, I was able to get the camera back up to my eye before they stopped or noticed that I was taking their picture.
This was an easy one to pick. Anytime I’m able to capture a “real” emotion in a scene or action, I know I’ve gotten to the heart of the matter. There may be many technical issues wrong with the shot but, for me and our family, it will always be a priceless shot because it so accurately captures the moment.
Kat talks about creating space to hear our hearts — in our loud and busy house (seven kids and two dogs) there really isn’t much space and it’s never quiet. For me, it isn’t really the noise, I gave up looking for quiet long ago — I’ve learned to tune out the noise and focus through it.
My difficulty is in slowing down enough to even noticed that my heart is trying to say something! Way back on Monday, I talked about my desire to slow down and live each day with intention. Part of that intention is to reflect on what I’ve been doing. Instead of running around, full of busyness and randomness, I want to walk slowly and deliberatley. To look at what I’ve done and ponder where I want to go. I’m tired of being led willy-nilly by events and the clock. I want to be the boss. I want to take the time to listen and decide where I will go next. That is what my heart is whispering when I slow down enough to listen.
This is a wonderful photo, and a beautiful Photo-Heart Connection. The spontaneous interaction between the two boys is just priceless.
I love that photo, the perfet moment captured in time. It’s as though you can feel the emotions at play, it conveys so much. Seven children, wow. You are brave. I can definitely see why you’re looking to slow down.
Yes, it feels good to be boss, and when I finally started to slow down more I was amazed at the things I saw and experienced. I adore this photo, it’s perfect and so full of life and emotion!!
It’s a fabulous shot, Jessica.
Danny is getting so big! Precious moment between your sons 🙂
congrats on catching such a sweet moment in your very busy life
That’s such a great gift to give to yourself. I hope you will be able to do it, at least part of the time. Honestly, as a mom, I don’t know how you do that. You’ll find a way.
Gorgeous light, gorgeous moment. I agree, the real moments hold the most delight.
Thanks for sharing what it takes for you to hear your heart, Jessica. Slowing down and not filling our time with “busy-ness” works for many of us, I think. This is such a special image – a moment of connection captured. Something you would not have had unless you created this opportunity for it to happen and for you to capture it. Thanks for sharing with us in the Photo-Heart Connection.
Such a priceless, beautiful image of your children! I love the light that pours in, the expressions on those sweet faces.
Jessica such a wonderful shot those two lovely faces and the light what a great memory shot…Slowing down mmm still struggling with that especially creatively….
What a sweet moment captured between the two boys. Taking the time to enjoy this will remain with you forever. Beautiful lighting!
What a gorgeous shot – the lighting is wonderful, and the emotion is even better! I also really appreciate your writing.
Rinda (visiting from PHC)
You’ve captured one of those priceless moments in time. And you’re right–the lighting is perfect!
Visiting from PHC.
With seven kids and two dogs, you’re a hero just to get through the day let alone to do it with intention ;-). Absolutely tender shot.
Ha! Thanks, Sherry! It’s all in the attitude…and some days, believe me, I don’t have it. But with coffee and naps it usually comes together. Somehow.
Thanks so much everyone for such beautiful and kind comments. I really love the community Kat has built up at PHC. Everyone is so positive and inspirational!
Wonderful shot, love the boys faces. Beautiful -and priceless- photo-heart connection
This is beautiful, one of those moments when they are so totally unaware and caught up and that we treasure forever.