A Sunday Mention

On this fine Sunday, I just wanted to share with you a little something that you might find refreshing. I sure do.

Goodness, I forgot. This idea originated out of the BlogHer 07 panel called, "It's your passion, not your size that matters." Read the live blog version at Ninja Poodles. It was a delightful panel! Enjoy.

A Sizable Theme

WIDE.

Interpret that!

Ritual in the Rain

You know I was planning on doing something wonderful like what Jen did (the whole inspiration behind today's theme) but I didn't. Instead I reflected on the one Rainy Day we've had in months and what kind of day that was.

My Best Shot this week showed the boots but my interpretation of RITUAL is better told perhaps by a portrait of a little someone we found on our rainy day walk. Mind you the boots and umbrella were out at 7am and we began our stroll not much later (like we always do in the rain) but long before the neighborhood awoke; quietly conversing about our observations and sharing our thoughts and we discovered the critters and creatures that were up with us in the early morning hours.

I think what makes this RITUAL special for us (rainboots and nature walks) is that it doesn't rain very often here so when it does, it's something to celebrate, something to mark with time spent between a mother and her daughters walking in gratitude of what Mother Earth offers us.

5 Months Later

I came across this little blurb about this pretty cool article. Of course, it was written like forever ago but still.

So, it seems us "MWAC" are making headlines. The NY Times no less! Is it just me or is anyone else somehow not familiar this acronym?

Anyhoo-just thought you all might enjoy that.

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Edited to add-

Thanks Stacy for the link you your comment about the article and I would encourage you all to go over, read her post and be sure to read the comments as they begin a dialog I think is interesting. And many of the readers of this blog are readers of Stacy's blog so it makes it even better since we know one another.

Personally, I have conflicting thoughts on the article. It was not well written (so dry too) but I don't find it offensive. I don't feel it's passing judgment on MAWC. I think it's stating the facts. I think much of what this article is saying is true. With the exception of the reason why mom photographers charge less. It's not because they "can" it's because they usually charge what they feel comfortable with and that is usually a lot less than other more established professionals. That is true. While you're building a business, I think that's normal. And if you you choose to do it for free than that's your choice too. And, if the more established photographers are feeling threatened than that is understandable. I don't really get it because there are enough clients to go around and each client chooses the photographer that meets their needs both financially and personally. I don't see it as a competition but I can understand it for those that might.

Although I recognize that the article focuses on the SLR cameras keep in mind that it is an article in the business section and that the category of "your money" so as much as it's about MWAC it's about camera sales. No harm there. But, if you get the vibe that this writer is trying to take the stance that it's the camera that makes the photographer, she balances it out at the end with lines like-

"...the photographer’s eye matters much more than the camera, and that the ability to use technology and respond to light is what makes an image come to life. "

and

“Good photography is more about the photographer than the camera,” said Ms. Dawson, who has just started her business in Boston. “It’s about making people comfortable and finding the emotion in their faces. The camera is just a tool.”

We all know you can take kick-ass photos with a point and shoot but no one would ever start a business using one, right? SLRs do take better shots than point and shoots for the most part. Technology has made it that much easier for people to take better pictures and afford the equipment to help. That's the truth. I will never say that just anyone has what it takes to be a really talented professional photographer because I know it takes a lot of many different attributes to make that happen (above and beyond even taking great photos) but I will say that if you have what it takes to shoot photos and get paid for it, then more power to ya. It's not a judgment call here, is it?

Does anyone have anything to add? I find it a very interesting topic. It certainly ruffled some feathers. That usually means it strikes a chord, huh?  How did the article make you feel? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Rainy Days and Mondays

This weekend we got some rain. We don't get much of it in these parts so of course, we got out the rain boots.

What did you capture this week?

Let's Go Let Go

Since reading this post by Jen Lemen, and enjoying her beautiful images,I have been musing about doing my own sort of symbolic ritual to rid me of my roadblocks (aka fears).

In light of that, I would like this week's theme to be RITUAL.

There's something magical about that word, isn't there?

Freedom Found

Hey, the photo I posted yesterday popped up over at Mamazine this morning. How cool is that? Yes, of course they asked permission to post it and I was thrilled to share.

I love what Sheri shares in her post. What are your thoughts on the subject of finding your freedom? Have you experienced any of these conflicting feelings? Her line about feeling guilty for the happy resonated with me. Not because I feel guitly for the time or the happy but I discussed this with a friend just yesterday--Without the struggle of the juggle, without the angst of feeling pressed for time or anything else for that matter, who are we? As mothers? As women? Have we gotten so attached to all that baggage that we actually do feel guilty for taking a moment? For feeling peace? For the happy?

I think this is a very important subject to ruminate on. Let's discuss, shall we?

I'm Feeling This Theme

Since my girls have both been in school full time (have I stressed the magnitude of those 2 little words--full time?) I have felt nothing but the overwhelming and glorious feeling of FREEDOM. Perhaps some may call that callous or cruel as maybe I'm supposed to be lamenting at how I miss them being home. Well ladies, not this mom. I haven't had this much time at my disposal in TEN years. TEN. I am thankful for every minute I have to myself.

My take on today's THEME was shot in my car, while I was just about to leave the coffee shop to pick up my daughter from school. I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of my laptop and I liked what I saw.

Me as a free woman.

And you?

Ahoy!

Is it just me or does the mere thought of Talk Like a Pirate Day crack anyone else up? I got a little reminder about the newest holiday in me inbox a la AlphaMom. Whew. Imagine if I would have forgotten?

And while you're over there...

Shiver me timbers! Does anyone recognize this Mom?

Hee hee.

Note-this interview was done over a year ago (which is why my hair is so short) but I will say, I still couldn't live without my baby monitor. And I don't even have a baby anymore. Go figure.

Tuesday's Take a Look

Wait until you see what Snapfish is up to this week. So cool!

I think some of the themes of their America at Home photo project are perfect for us photo moms. So, what are you waiting for?? Get to submitting.