Remember this post? The one that was talking about how I was learning to accept compliments? Well, yeah…I’m still not getting much better at that. People often tell me how much they love my photography; how great a photographer I am. And I appreciate it. I really do. But I have a hard time believing it. I want to believe it. I want to believe that I’m good at it. And I want to believe that people really mean what they say. But I have a really hard time with it.
But I have to admit that when I look through the lens of a camera, I see things more clearly-literally and metaphorically. I have my camera set for my eyes. What you see when you look through my viewfinder isn’t going to be perfectly focused. That’s because my eyes(even after Lasik) aren’t perfectly focused, and I’ve adjusted my viewfinder accordingly.
What, metaphorically, do I see better through a camera lens? The old adage is true, I guess; a picture really is worth a thousand words. For example, when I look at this picture of Lydia:
I see my little princess. That’s obvious. What you can’t see (but I can) is the silly face I had to make to get that smile. I see that little gap between her baby teeth, and I realize that it probably won’t be there this time next year. And I see her perfectly formed curls that curl beautifully all on their own. And I see her cute little toes scrunched up on the concrete, even though there not even close to being in this shot. I notice the little spec of red behind her arm. And I know it’s the geranium that we picked out together.
And I see this picture:
and I see a Carter that we don’t get to see very often. He’s usually all grins and giggles, but I love the intent look in his eyes here. I love that you can see the remains of chocolate on his lip, even though we’d eaten it hours before. I love how he’s wearing the sunglasses that he wore for three days straight, but pulled them up long enough to look at me. Really look at me. I love how I know that he was wearing the top of his favorite pj’s. And I love that I can remember that we were outside and he didn’t have on pants and he didn’t see that as a problem. And, this may sound ego-centric, but I love the way that I can see me in him. No, literally; look at my reflection in his glasses! 🙂
And I can’t forget Mr. Asa.
I know that he’ll never be this little again. And I see the little crack on his lip…I’d already forgotten it was ever there. And his eyes. Oh, his eyes. Will I look back at this picture with him some day and say, “Look…your eyes used to be slate gray”? They’re getting darker every day. And will I tell him about the seat he’s sitting in for this picture? His jumper-seat that he happily bounces around in all day long. And that toothless grin won’t be toothless for much longer. (I hope!)
I say all of that to say this…I’m glad that people like my pictures. I’m glad that people have confidence in me. But, as with any picture, it’s not the picture that really counts. It’s the memories that go with the picture. Those little things you can’t capture, you can’t see with your eyes no matter how clear or focused or perfect the shot is.
I’m photographing a wedding this weekend. I’ve never taken on a project this big. I’m nervous as all get-out, scared to death. When I think about it, I kinda want to throw up a little bit. (No, I’m not pregnant.) So, since this blog is my therapy…I decided to a) remind myself that I can take good pictures, and b) beg you guys to give me a little self-esteem boost. Pleeeeeease? 🙂 I know that asking people to sing your praises kinda defeats the purpose. And it’s not really a very cool thing to do. But I’m doing it anyway. Give a girl some love? I’ll return the favor one day, I promise!
Bridget, your photographs are gorgeous! There’s a depth and artistry to them that’s incredible! I think you’ll take fabulous pictures at the wedding, and while I remember you saying you didn’t want to be a photographer because it wouldn’t be fun any more (or something to that effect), I think if you were to do professional photography, you’d be very popular (and perhaps quite wealthy!). So, feel great about yourself and your work!
i understand your nervousness, but i am very confident that you’ll do an awesome job! i’m not worried in the slightest! 🙂 i am super excited 🙂 🙂
how about I agree to let you take 1 picture of me. That’s got to be an ego boost, since I don’t let ANYONE take pics of me!!
When I read originally about you photographing a wedding this weekend the though that went through my head at the moment was a mental note to myself of maybe one day you could photograph my wedding if I eve find Mr. Right that is and of course if you were willing to! I have always enjoyed your pictures that you take. The pictures from past weddings that you have taken and the “every day” pictures that you take I have always enjoyed looking at and have always admired because you are able to capture those beautiful smiles and perfect lighting. You also manage to get some GREAT poses!
Girl! I am so serious. You are an awesome photographer. AWESOME. If my plan B doesn’t work out (teaching) then plan C is to start a photography company with you! I could convince Hubs to move. Or maybe our different locations would even be a plus for our business! You rock!
How INCREDIBLY ironic that I just read this!!! About 2 hours ago Drew & I were in the car and as I was looking out the window at the beautiful green grass I thought – I’ve GOT to get Drew’s 5 year picture taken outside. My thoughts IMMEDIATELY went to you. I was planning to ask you on Monday (at drop-off….face-to-face…so there would be pressure…and you couldn’t say no) if you would take his 5 year picture.
Bridget you are amazing! No worries girly – you will capture the event so beautifully.
P.S. I’m still going to ask you on Monday…with the pressure and all. Because I am still your son’s teacher for 2 more days anyway! 🙂
two words: you rock!
For real though, you love taking pictures so that will show in final product. You’ll be great!
hey woman…you are an amazing photographer. you have such a gifted eye for finding the perfect angle, moment, composition. i’m jealous, actually. i WANT to be a photographer. you ARE one.
know what else? you’re a fantastic writer and quickly becoming at the top my my “best friends ever” list. seriously.
i can’t wait to hear about the wedding shoot. i’m sure you’re going to be fabulous.
I am so glad I read this and I couldn’t agree more! I have not looked at alot of your pictures, but I’m about to go look on FB and check them out (if there are some…why have I not looked before now??) I absolutely love to take pictures and I feel the same way when I look at mine, I love the memories they bring, I pray I never forget them. I would love to be a photographer, but am too lazy to work on weekends when all I want to do is spend time with my kids, but maybe when they are grown I will go for it. I have helped a friend of mine photograph a wedding and it was fun but very tiresome and I think I would be too terrified to do it on my own (you know you can retake a kid’s 1 year old pictures in a week if they don’t turn out, but they probably can’t redo thier wedding!) Now a sports photographer, that would be awesome! Anyway, hope the wedding went well, I’m sure you did an awesome job!
I’m so behind in the blogosphere, but I wanted to drop you a quick note to say that your kids are scrumptious. Thanks for sharing these great photos.