my kids are growing up. that makes me sad and happy and scared all at the same time. for some reason, lately I have been really reaching for time. I want to make it stop or at least slow down. my baby, the youngest, is now five. that is probably why I am freaking out. and I am sure it does not help that my oldest will be a senior in high school next year. that just makes me want to say a bad word. I feel like I want to rewind and get some of that time back I feel I must have lost along the way.
always caught up in life, but not living in the moment. always waiting for the next moment to happen. yep, that’s me. then years pass and I am left thinking how I could have savored the years more. what could i have done, what can I do now to make sure I absorb every minute, every day of my life.
the solution has become clear.
stop.
just stop and listen.
stop and look…and really see.
pay attention. true attention to details. the small things that make me smile.
from now on I want to stop and not only look at what my kids draw but sit down with them, even if only for a minute and let them explain to me what they have drawn (and really listen-not just glancing and saying “oh that is so good. have you brushed your teeth yet?”)….I want to ask them questions because I truly love the answers they come up with. I want to notice more….I want to memorize every little detail.
I know. it is not always possible because life is busy. but I want to make an effort. more of an effort.
my kids have their good and bad traits.
I want to remember. and as a photographer I can document so much. I can document life as it unfolds. I can freeze the moments that I want to stick in my mind. I may forget in years to come but when I look at that photograph, the memory will come rushing back to me and I can smile….and remember.
We always document “big moments” in life and that is great but the small moments are even more important. those tiny little pieces fill up every day. those small details define life. and believe it or not, are forgotten. gone. unless documented in some way. journal. pictures. video. all of the above. whatever.
words and photography. both are artistic forms of expression and when used together can be very powerful. and artsy. 
and i love artsy.
so. we are mixing words with photography. and focusing on the little things in life. good. now we need to think about how to put all this together and enter it in our lives.
photography of our children
+
words they say or things they do
+
a little creative thinking and design
=
wonderful wonderful art for your home. meaningful art. in any color you like. simple. dramatic. colorful. black & white. any size. all sorts of shapes. multiple pieces. or one huge image that defines your child’s personality. I am not talking about a portrait. I am not talking about a head shot portrait. I am talking about….wind in the hair…dirt on the toes…lips all pouty…or big crooked smile…feeling…emotion….being themselves. This art can be designed to fit the decor in your home. it can be simple, modern, contemporary, abstract, vintage, shabby chic, whimsical, serious, rich in color, vivid in color, even no color at all…whatever reflects you as a family. your style. your life. the ART of your LIFE.
This post is getting long. sorry. I get all fired up about this stuff. I can’t possibly explain all the ideas we are thinking about but, in a nutshell…
-Melissa Andries Photography is working on a new approach to photographing your child.
-We will be offering design consultations to help you better decide what to do with the art of your child.
-The art will be custom designed with your life and your decor in mind. I want every client to have an original piece of artwork, unlike any other.
-Not all pieces will be wall art. We have much more to offer. Not everything has to hang on the wall.
-Also, we are tweaking a few things to add more convenience to you, the client.
-But don’t worry…one thing that will NOT change with the beginning of the new year is our pricing. All prices will remain the same. We are just adding more options and easier ways for you to decide what to do with your images.
We are very excited! Especially me. It is what I love to do. create. Create art, but more than art. more than photography. more than portraits. Create something that makes you happy every time you look at it. something that blends in with your home but stands out because of the feeling and uniqueness of it. something that, in years to come, will bring tears to your eyes and happiness to your soul because you remember the little things. you stopped and looked when there was still time to see. and you lived your life in the moment. the important moment.
the ART of your LIFE.
yep. that is a chalk drawing of me by my little Reid. He was so excited. he ran into the house…”momma momma, come see. I drawed you! and you have rainbow hair. I like rainbow hair!” that is one of those moments I want to stick. the sparkle in his eyes. his excited stuttering. and being so proud of himself. so I stopped. and now I will remember.
Life: unPOSED
Melissa
lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography
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I am somewhat behind on editing…. ugh. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and I will be caught up in no time! Thanks to everyone for being patient and understanding! I have the best clients EVER!!!
thanks Ailina!!!! That is so sweet!!! aren’t newborns the absolute sweetest things on earth!!!!
{ Feb 28th, 2010 9:24 pm }