Expression in the Details

I am all about capturing true expression. I don't ask my kids to smile in all the photos . . . I never "say cheese." It just isn't my style. I am thrilled when I look through images of my family and see the many unique and authentic expressions that my children offer. This week, M. started scrunching his nose, just like A. did when she was about one or two. He also recently adopted a dramatic howling expression, meant to make Mom feel much empathy for him and it often works. I picked up the camera for 10 minutes yesterday afternoon and just interacted with the kiddos. This variety came from our impromtu shoot, and these expressions are ones I dont want to forget.

{She just noticed her first "replacement" tooth growing in, and you can see she is checking it out with her tongue. Right now baby brother has just enough teeth to fill S's missing spaces. That will never happen again.}

{I can hear her soft, contagious laughter when I see this image.}

{M. often hums, sings and tests out his voice these days. He seems to be carrying on a conversation in his own language. This is his inquisitive look.}

{This is S. when she is lost in thought . . . saving words for a flood of conversation.}

{Deep concentration, yet relaxed and very absorbed in her dry erase marker drawing.}

and finally . . .

The debut image from 5 year old assistant photographer with her kodak easyshare camera, taken from her booster seat on the way to S. Utah. This tells the story of mom & dad on their anniversary. I LOVE this photo. :) I love that my girl took it, and it was her idea.

Don't be afraid to get out the camera and shoot pictures of life "as is." Even if your house is messy, your kids have crusty faces and messy hair. These are the photos that tell the story of real life . . . isn't it magical?