Words to live by - Long Island Photographer | Hello Olivia Photography
Have you ever found a quote that really makes you think? That inspires you to action? Something so good that you have an instant lightbulb moment and run to grab a pen so you don’t forget it?
I have many of these quotes floating around in my head at any given time – but “The days are long but the years are short” is one quote I feel deeply in my soul. It’s the mantra that keeps me documenting and shooting daily.
It is this almost bleak reminder that the time you have with your kiddos at any age is limited. That things constantly move and change. It is the reminder to always live in the now and to be cognizant about spending quality time together.
Even on what may seem like the most mundane of days, it’s best to appreciate and enjoy it, or at least be aware that these might be the “good old days” that you reminisce about in the not so distant future.
For me, it’s necessary to document these moments in time as the self appointed family photographer. This is why I do what I do! It really is my passion.
So when if comes to photographing your own family and documenting your memories, having a mantra to think about can be so important to keep you grounded. While these mantras may not be life-changing, they will help you keep your cool when the kids may not be on their best behavior or if your husband is just being a jerk.
Some mantras I choose to live by:
Embrace the chaos:
My kids HATE smiling for the camera. They hate posing even more. Sitting for posed portraits is never going to be something they volunteer for, so I have to deal with it. Once of the main reasons I’ve developed a love for lifestyle and documentary photography is because it’s much less time consuming or invasive for them. I love capturing their crazy antics and “less than perfect” behavior. It’s always makes for sweet and sometimes hilarious moments.
Put the camera down and be present.
Did you know that my camera (and most cell phones) shoot as fast as 1/8000 of a second? Like what does that even mean? It means that all your family needs to do is hold still for some insane fraction of a section to get that shot – so be quick about it. Get your shot and be present in the moment too.
The more you shoot the easier it becomes.
Believe it or not, the more you shoot the less awkward and less camera aware everyone will feel. Sure, my family still complains a little, but they know that they’ll survive. The more you shoot, the better you train your eye and the fast you become at observing and anticipating moments as they unfold.