So in the past few months, I’ve decided to embrace the photographer that I am. Hug it with both arms. Tightly. Even throw in a few back pats for good measure.
So here goes …
I am not a still life photographer.
I’ve done them. Here and there. But I feel like I have to work and reshoot and pose and sweat and BLARGH to get a good shot. It’s just not worth it to me.
I am also not a nature photographer.
Now, I do like to photograph nature, but even then, I’m not confident in my images. I have to work really hard to capture things that others get automatically.
But lifestyle shots? Of my girls? Everyday moments? Little peeks into our lives?
I can do that.
I’m good at that. Or so I’ve been told. (Okay, okay … by my mom, but still …)
I feel like if I had to nail down “my style” … well, that would be it.
I am an everyday moment capturer.
The hardest part about photographing our daily life is strategically hiding the mess.
Or not.
But I love sharing little bits and pieces of how we live.
I’m intrigued when I see pictures of other people’s houses – I try to squint and see things that they don’t know they’re photographing. (Please don’t do that with my pictures – you’ll see dust. And crazy high hospital bills. And toys shoved in every spare corner of our first floor.)
Anyway, you know I’ve been doing a project 365, right? Well, I’m constantly scared that I’m going to quit. Like I’ve done twice before.
So I think I’m going to find a comfortable spot to stand and then go from there.
I’m going to turn my project 365 into into a project of everyday’ness. Our daily lives. The stuff that no one probably wants to see {but I’m doing it anyway}.
No pressure to pose inanimate objects. No pressure to get the naturey shot of the century. No pressure to get 365 gorgeous stunning priceless* images.
Just. No. Pressure.
Right, girls?
And I’m planning on printing a little coffee table book at the end of the year … hoping that maybe, just maybe, that will keep me inspired to make it all the way through.
*For what it’s worth, I think these lifestyle shots are the most priceless of all.
Also? I am over here today.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
every conversation we have makes me love you more keli. and yeah, you are good at that day to day thing. and i feel the same way about nature and still lifes and stuff. i will almost never just take a picture of a flower. it has to remind me of a certain day, or something. you know? i think we need to skype.
Erin´s last [type] ..floats
yes, let’s do that. for sure.
I love all of these shots and I think that is just what p365 is all about!
Perfect. Just perfect. And that’s not your mother speaking either. ;)
Kristen´s last [type] ..blessed tacoma maternity photographer
“Everyday Moment Capturer” that’s a fantastic title.
I think capturing our everydayness is the only way that I have a chance to complete 365 part 2. That’s why I’ve never said that I want to grow or learn new things from a 365. Too much pressure. Round one proved that just happens along the way. All I really want to capture our daily lives. All of the mess, dust, tears, & laughs 2011 will bring.
erika´s last [type] ..A Closet Of My Own
you are one of my inspirations, erika. seriously. i don’t think i would have done it this year if you hadn’t finished your p365 last year. it was amazing and one of the pulling forces for me to jump in this year.
I lov
i just love this. and your everyday life. i really want to do the 365 thing and the coffee table book idea, but as you can see, i would be 21 days behind. so heh.
oh well. i will just enjoy your beautiful pics. :)
Abra´s last [type] ..goop- gak- and what not
awww, you could do a 365 starting today … and then have a coffee table book of 365 images. not necessarily of 2011. :)
You are so good at what you do : ) I love your pictures and your life.
Oh, and PS I squinted and squinted trying to see the dust bunnies and any other imperfections in your house, but all I could see in every picture was love. Lots and lots of love. It was overflowing ; )
Life with Kaishon´s last [type] ..We say ‘I love you’ a lot
love it!
Also lovin’ that quilt Lucy is laying on by the fire place… any particular pattern name, I’m bored, it’s winter – I need to quilt!
Melissa´s last [type] ..Opinions please
Melissa – my late grandmother made that for me 11 years ago. I’m sorry, I don’t know the pattern or even if she used one. She was an amazing quilter!! I’m trying to figure out how I can fix it – it’s been used so much, it’s falling apart.
Oh, and guess what? Kaish is right beside me ( I know, still up at 11:21….) and he saw a person with a face in our pie. A mean face. At first I thought he was being ridiculous but then I saw it. There is a mean face in those cherries. Do you see it too?
Oh, and guess what? Kaish is right beside me ( I know, still up at 11:21….) and he saw a person with a face in our pie. A mean face. At first I thought he was being ridiculous but then I saw it. There is a mean face in those cherries. Do you see it too?
Life with Kaishon´s last [type] ..We say ‘I love you’ a lot
I see it. :( Poor mad pie.
I like the perfect use of colors in your photo shoots. Even the Black & White photo looks so pure and attractive. It really touch my heart.
Shailender @ Romantic Getaways´s last [type] ..Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from India Darshan
I love your pictures… just like your mom!
diana aka meme´s last [type] ..Gems and Animals!
You know, I could not agree with you more. That is exactly what I’m doing with my 365…my everyday real life, the things I want to remember…and I’m doing it all for me, LOL. I’m also planning a book of images from this year, too. I can only imagine how wonderful it will be in the future to grab these books and look at them, feeling each moment all over again. That is really what it’s all about. And I love your everyday shots, Keli…there is always so much story to shots like this..so much more going on than the camera can even capture. Beautiful. all of them.
oh sandra, YOU are one of my inspirations. no one captures daily life like you. and your tones are always so warm. homey. comforting. we are gonna make it!!!
I absolutely love the photos of your girls. Wonderful job!! :D You are amazing.
Sarah´s last [type] ..Project 365 Week 3
I love your style and you do capture those everyday moments so well. They tell a story…your story…and it’s so nice of you to share it with us.
I love your everyday shots. LOVE THEM. So innocent and beautiful!
Melissa-Shrinking Jeans´s last [type] ..for my warm-weathered friends
I love the everyday’ness, too. I take a tone of pictures of my grandchildren. Usually, they have peanut butter on their faces, there is (always) a pile of laundry around and other messes – of course. But those are the pictures I love the most. Professional portraits, there fine, my portraits, there OK, the everyday pictures they’re the best. Your girls are adorable. I love reading about them and seeing your pictures. Don’t change your style, ever, because these pictures will make your heart swell and smile forever.
P.S. Excuse the typos. on my previous post. Sheesh!
That last shot is priceless! I’m sure that shot will play out for many years to come.
Love love love your photos and every day life stories :-) I’m doing a 365 as well. It’s hard. Sometimes I just snap a picture with my iPhone, but I figure it’s better than nothing.
Kristen´s last [type] ..Argh
Those are the shots I love the most from you – the ones I eagerly come to your blog hoping to see – your girls, feet, toys scattered about, perfection in the imperfection, organized chaos in all its glory. I love your photography and I can’t wait to see your book.
Also? I agree with Erin. Skype.
I love this, I’m so glad i read it. I’ve been thinking too hard on my photo of the day, when it really should just be a fun thing to capture our lives.
I love your blog. I love your photos. And I love your new header!
Fabulous. As always. You’re going to inspire me to start a blog. I’ve thought about this 365 thing, and I keep thinking what the heck would I take a picture of every day? I work during the week, and it’s dark in the winter when I get home…and without natural light the photos wouldn’t be any good…blah, blah, blah…BUT I thought the other day to set an alarm on my phone, and to just take a picture of whatever I’m doing every day when that goes off. I haven’t started yet… :)
As always, thanks for sharing. Your blog is a bright spot in my day, and your photography inspires me.
Lil
Wow! I could have written this. :)
Oh my goodness, I just want to cry. You capture everything that I want to, but struggle with so. You are incredible at making the everyday look special. You do an amazing job at making the mundane look like it’s been posed and planned out. I think you may have a hard time seeing it because you live in your own world and your own head, you hear your own criticisms, and you see your own outtakes.
But can I tell you what I see?
I see a very amazing talent that only comes from within – it can’t be learned, it is just a part of you. You have an eye for picturing things in such a way the photos draw out emotions and cause me to stare at them, to search every corner.
Keli, you are an incredible photographer. I know you didn’t write this post to get people to stroke your ego, but I’m here to tell you that I’m trying to learn from you and you’re a huge inspiration to me.
see, now I’m crying. :-)
Texan Mama´s last [type] ..Wordful Wednesday- Keep Going
perfect!
and for what its worth, you can take a picture of anything and its perfect ;) to me, anyway. I love all your shots!
I have all the faith in the world that you will make it to your coffee table book at the end of the year….especially if you focus on pictures of your girls.
I think that’s why I love lifestyle shots as well – a little glimpse into the corners of someones world that they may not even realize they are showing. Is that too voyeuristic? Does that make me a peeping Tom? I love it when I see something familiar in someone elses photo….I have that same pillow, or I know where you purchased that mug. A way to make a connection, I guess. I love these glimpses into your life – thank you for sharing, and what a treasured memory at the end of the year. I’m hoping for once a week….baby steps for me.
Karina´s last [type] ..Rescued Bulbs
I love your lifestyle shots. I’m on attempt 2 of a 365, but currently a couple of days behind. I was starting to get sick of the “everydayness” of my photos, especially seeing all the gorgeousness on flickr. Burt you’ve inspired me to catch up and keep going. even with the everyday.
Rachel´s last [type] ..17-365
Your ‘everyday’ photos are incredible!; your perspective is always unique. I tried on many occasions to replicate your ‘keli-perspective’ OR your ‘keli-effect’, but never got close on either so hopefully some kind of ‘style’ for my own photos will reveal itself soon. A coffee table book filled with your ‘everyday’ photos will be so cool!
Debra´s last [type] ..Ruby Tuesday Napping
these are my fave kinds of pictures – real ones. and these are what your girls will treasure years from now – not still lifes of plants or sunsets – but themselves and their family. LOVE those B&W ones of them!! We are currently in a not very photogenic or light-friendly rental but in two weeks are moving into a great new house with what I hope will be lots of photo ops!
I love, love, love this.
Admittedly, sometimes I LOVE taking nature pictures, pictures of things that don’t move constantly, refuse to smile, make weird winky, blinky, half-stoned faces, or what’s worse: the ridiculous overly-posed faces.
But, your beautiful photos inspire me to get out the camera more frequently and take more pictures of our everyday lives. The life that takes place during homeschooling, cleaning, laundry, cooking, baking, living life hours. And, I love the idea of turning it into a coffee table book at the end of the year. What a wonderful memento to culminate the year!
Queen Mommy´s last [type] ..Home for the Holidays
“*For what it’s worth, I think these lifestyle shots are the most priceless of all.”
Amen. You have such a knack for grabbing those moments. Gorgeous.
<3
Those are great. I would agree. You are great at capturing the moments. I love the one of your baby with the hat looking down. That’s just precious. And the one on the Bumble seat with your older girl standing up…I don’t know that just communicates so much personality and such a moment. Thanks for sharing.
Cathy
I love the mess or the human traces or whatever. It gives life to the spirit of the shot. And I love all of your photos!
Steph
adventuresinbabywearing´s last [type] ..for no reason
Oh wow! I love your photos! I especially love the black and white one of your girls where the oldest is standing and you see her striped pants and the baby is in the bumbo! Too cute! I have never been able to take those really amazing shots, but I guess I have never really tried. I have 2 little girls also and the moments are endless with them. I would have to carry the camera on my hip! Thanks for sharing your pics, they are beautiful!
Jasmine´s last [type] ..First Anniversary Gifts
i finished my project365 for 2010 and i am in the process of turning the year into a yearbook! it was my kids and hubby that continued to push and encourage me to keep going when i wanted to quit! get that accountability going! you can do it!
alely´s last [type] ..happy 19 years!
Found your blog from IHF! :D
I love that last photo, SO cute! It made me laugh haha. :)
You have adorable girls!
Tasha´s last [type] ..Fix It Friday!
I love this post, all of it. Lovely photos, and the ideas of capturing the everyday and embracing embracing the photographer you are… that’s something I need to try and do myself. Thank you for this.