This year I am completing a 365 Project in which I make a photo every single day this year. Why? To push my creativity, find inspiration everyday, to challenge myself, and to further develop my photography skills. The learning never stops.  I shared my words for the New Year with you last week, and as I was going through my images so far for the 365 Project I thought about one of my words/phrases “be present”.  For me, being present means many things, but one meaning is being present in photos.

Often as the photographer in the family, I am “missing” and not present in many of our family photos.  I don’t like that.  As moms, we can even find ourselves hiding from the camera and not wanting our pictures taken. Sometimes it’s because we’ve put on a few pounds and don’t like the way we look, or I don’t have makeup on, or I don’t like my hair, or I don’t like my outfit, or…You can fill in the blank and the I don’ts can go on forever.

While my daughter and I were gathering photos to make a slideshow for my husband’s birthday, I  had an overwhelming feeling towards the desire of “being present”. Knowing that I was at many of the events and fun moments that we had as a family,  I was absent in the photos.  The moments that we share together, are moments that I want my kids to have pictures of me included as well, and I want them to remember those moments with me “being present” in the photos too.

What about you?  Are you present in the everyday photos?  Do you have a list of I don’ts for not having family pictures with you included?  You are not alone, but I want to challenge you this year and going forward to be present.  I know that our kids will cherish those pictures forever. Be Present.

Of course I have to include a picture.