It is the moments of wonder and beauty when you visualize what they might be dreaming about. ​

What is photo regret? For me it is having the opportunity to capture images that will tell a wonderful story and not taking the chance. It is the sadness of knowing the story is an amazing one but either choose not to go or not to use my camera more while in the mist of something magical. 

I have been photographing in someway shape or form for over half of my adult life. I have carried my camera by side for years but I have also gone YEARS without ever picking up and holding the love of my life, much less using her as much as I could have been. 
I was afraid to take photos of the crowds, I was afraid someone would think I was crazy. "Hey who is that lady taking all those photos"..... ya know. 

As I sit here on a Monday - the Monday after OKC PRIDE - I think about all the images that I could have, should have and dammit was afraid to take, I vow to myself to not ever let that happen again.  

I was brave enough to capture a few images from this years event - photo regret.... how much more fabulous images could I have captured? 

I am a mom, I get it….the struggles of getting everyone dressed up in matching clothes, the stress of getting everyone out the door to a studio or park only to deal with stiff poses, forced smiles and everything not looking “perfect”.
If you are a family that is looking for something different, something that will capture the beauty of everyday life AND can increase your child self-esteem instead of driving up your stress levels then read on.
Family documentary photography can capture memories, love and moments that you might not think about and if that is not reason enough, let’s talk about the impact that this has on our children.
Did you know that one of the most powerful things about family photography is how it can help raise children with stronger confidence in their own worth and abilities. In 1975 a reveling study was conducted with a group of fourth graders at a Tennessee school by Tulane University. During a five week period, the children took Polaroid instant photos of themselves in a variety of assigned poses and expressing various emotions. The children worked with the printed images and make scrapbooks once a week over those five weeks. Testing of the students at the conclusion of the study revealed a significant increase of 37 percent in the student’s average self-esteem behaviors. This Mufreesboro Study shows some evidence personal photography of children seen and enjoyed in a specific way can help boost a child’s self-esteem.
Let’s touch on the idea of how the child see’s the images of themselves in the images….does it matter if the images are digital or paper prints? In our world today it is no surprise that many photos are never printed or framed to hang on the wall. We have become very dependent on the idea that they are easier to see and view on our phones, ipads, social media or computers. But does an image on a tablet, computer screen or social media site have the same impact for helping families boost a child self-esteem?
David Krauss, a licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio says “I am very conservative about self-esteem and I think placing a family photo someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it really hits home for that child this sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about them and a protecting quality that nurtures a child. It let’s them know where they are in the pecking order and that they are loved and cared for,”
“My bias is very simple. I think they (family photographs) should be on the wall,” says Krauss.
This is why family documentary photograph is so important. It is my job as a photographer to capture loving everyday moments in your life. To have this done in your home or your favorite outing spot can have a positive effect on your family. Displaying photos from your everyday life promotes love in the home and sends the message that our family and those in are in important to one another, and we honor the memories we have experienced.
To learn more about how my sessions visit - Session Information
 

Oh my heart this family is so darling. Skin kissed skin and breezy hair was on the menu for late afternoon on Father's Day.