February 5-on-5: Those Sweet Moments

Due to my grandpa's recent passing and services, my family and I got to spend a few days with my parents 1,000 miles away.  It's been interesting to watch how the loss of someone in my life since I made the official shift to documentary photography has shaped the way I view both life and death.  I now see even more things that I know I want to hold on to.  All those sweet moments that will bring back a flood of memories.

So, when my daughter asked my mom if she would dry her hair after her bath, and my mom, never getting to do it, jumped on the chance, I practically sprinted to get my camera.  When before I would have just enjoyed the 5 minutes of solitude, I now understand I need to hold on to those sweet things.

My mom complained about being photographed, just like so many other woman I know.  She complained about her appearance and her clutter and would have probably given me a laundry list of other things if I let her.  But, like any good daughter, I just ignored her.

Instead, I just shot.  I shot my daughter's little glances in the mirror.  I shot my mother's little smiles as she soaked it all in.  I told her I wasn't shooting her closet and that her clutter didn't matter.

 I shot my mother's hands.  I shot her familiar profile and her long silver-gray hair.  I shot as she gently dried my daughter's hair and talked to her about the comb she was playing with.

And I shot the sweet kiss on the head as my mom was all done.  Then I stopped.  And I told my mom that one day, my daughter would be SO very thankful to have these, even with all the things my mother wanted to complain about.  I made us both cry, but that was ok.  It needed to be said.

Our 5-on-5 circle is a beautiful way to support some amazing documentary photographers, so please make sure to hit all the stops.  Next up is my friend Stephanie Woodward, Utah Storytelling Photographer.


Until next time,