The everyday still life
Everyday I come across abandon moments. Remnants of activity, left behind. These captured moments end up being some of my favorite photographs. They are evidence of life. We were there. We played. We lived.
As a mother, I spend a lot of time cleaning up. As I do so, I often notice how beautiful the scene is. Now, don’t get me wrong, most of the time picking up after kids is more drudgery than beauty, but in certain moments, I can see the perfection. These pictures are my everyday still life.
Do you capture the “stuff” of life? Please share!
A line of flowers meticulously created and left by Olivia
Changing baby and the abandoned curtain tent.
Photobooth making remnants.
Outdoor mud play, left for another day.
Boots left where they fell.
The piano, post practice.
May 11th, 2012 at 7:28 am
k,
you have beautifully captured these raw moments of such purity…i love them all.
i like your question a lot…
the way i emotionally capture: i think being present and slowing down really enables me to see the specialness in the way a piece of chalk leaves a dusty spattering on the floor or the way a white tub looks with colorful bath toys strewn about after the kiddos and water has left. one of the greatest gifts i can give my kids (and myself) is staying with the moment. when i come back to this, it never fails me.
the way i tangibly capture: most often…instagram. it really has allowed me to document a spontaneous moment more frequently. it brings me a lot of joy and i can have it in my back pocket when at the beach or on a hike or whatever. it’s easy, it documents and refuels me.
the way i verbally capture: sitting at the family dinner table and reviewing high points and low points of the day. each person gets an opportunity to reflect and express. taking the time to really be heard undoubtedly lifts everyone up.
May 11th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Thanks Melissa. What you say is so true, being present with our children and ourselves is the greatest gift we can give. Luckily, being drawn to beauty helps us stay in the moment.
I too love instagram, it feels like art creation on the go! Thanks for your thoughts.