Expressions

With the heat climbing as we dive headlong into summer, my husband and I decided to take our son, Aiden, swimming. Aiden’s favorite time every day is when the bath water starts running, so we thought that his first time in a pool would be even more exciting for him. We were very wrong.

After Aiden and I got suited up I handed him off to my husband so I could operate my video camera with my right hand and my still camera with my left. Anticipating happy splashes and excited squeals, I was poised and ready as they walked down into the water. So, I quickly had several shots, and video footage of apprehension that quickly funneled into tears.

I ditched the cameras and went into the water to console my little boy, but it didn’t help much. We got out, got back in, and switched between parents, but Aiden wanted nothing to do with the pool that we had just bought a summer membership to. Whether the pool was daunting in size or just too cool for Aiden’s taste, it wasn’t long before we decided to try again another day. After ten minutes or so, we were on our way back home.

I sighed and flipped through the pictures on the camera, expecting disappointment. Again, I was wrong. I got the most adorable photo of my son. His lip was pouted out and there was a tear creeping out the corner of his eye. It was so expressive and precious that I printed and framed it the next day. It is nestled snuggly amongst many others, the many faces of my little boy.

Like most people I tend to display the happy smiles that I capture. I hadn’t realized that I was missing out on the rest of the emotional spectrum. It’s hard to remember to grab your camera when you are trying to avert a tantrum or soothe a startled little one. Of course, those are the priorities, but if you happen to get some shots off that capture some of your children’s other emotions, consider them for display. A smile isn’t the only thing that makes a good picture, capturing the truth of the moment is also a photo worthy accomplishment.

Christy

Copy the code below to your web site.
x 

Posted by Christy Higby | Filed Under How To Photograph Children, When To Photograph Children, Where To Photograph Children, Why Photograph Children 

Comments

No Comments Yet.

Got something to say?