love

Most of my favorite photos are not "perfect" photos. The lighting isn't just right, the focus might be a little off, the composition not quite what I had intended....but they are still my favorites, just because they captured a moment that I loved and I want to remember.

I took this self-portrait of me and Rowan today. We were playing outside while Piper took a nap, and it was a rare time when no other neighbor kids were out playing, so Rowan and I had some great one-on-one time. She was actually letting me take some photos of her, but mostly we were just talking and enjoying the warm sun (finally!) that has been blessing us this week. We were sitting on the grass together, and she snuggled up to my shoulder---I quickly grabbed the camera, told her to look towards it, and snapped. It's not perfect, but I love it. We're looking towards the camera with the same expression. Content together. I love her sweet face, nestled up to my shoulder. I want to keep her there.

I want to remember her right now, at 5, and how free and beautiful she is. She took my camera for awhile and snapped away....taking pictures of the mailman, the curb, the neighbor's houses. I watched her intently---in her striped leggings, flouncy skirt, and peace-sign tank top, carrying a too-heavy camera, exploring her world. And I loved her more than my heart could bear.

Yep, most of my favorite photos are not perfect. I try to remind myself of that when I take photos for other people. It's not always about technical perfection...it's about capturing real moments and real emotion that bring us right back to a place in time.

This photo will always take me back to today, in the sun with my girl, happy to be her mom.