"Patience is a Virtue"
My mom always told me that. Did I always listen? Usually, no. Sometimes, I can be one of the least patient people in the world, but I have learned over the past few years to slow down and enjoy the ride. It's not about the finish or getting on to the next step, but it's about being in the here and now.
Here's an example of my lack of patience... I rushed through four years of college and picked up a second bachelors along the way since I plowed so fast through my classes. Then I finished my masters degree in less than a year. Yes, 60 graduate credits (the program was insane) and I was done in a year, 12 months, 365 days. In the past six months I'm almost finished with another 5 graduate courses while working full-time, running this precious passion of mine and being a daughter, wife and support system to so many awesome students.
I mentioned in a previous post Listen and see... that I would discuss how photography has taught me to be more patient. While listening to my clients, I am able to see their personalities and reflect that in my images. Sometimes, when working with anyone who is camera shy or full of lovely energy, such as a young child, you need to find patience within yourself to wait for the right moment to snap. Snap, as in take a photo, not lose my mind :)
Some sessions fly by, I'm done in less than a half hour and I've gotten all the shots I've wanted and much more. Other times sessions move along at a more relaxed pace. Either way, I come home with fantastic images I am proud to share. Walking into many sessions, I am unsure what to expect. I never know what will happen, but I always am open to listening to my clients, learning about them and slowing down to be in the moment with them.
Many times, patience comes in handy when working with small children. Usually, they are thrilled to meet me, want to know what the big thing is in my hands and then they want to show me their talents. It is so much fun to listen and play with these young guys and gals.
My niece was one of my first lessons in practicing patience behind the lens. As she grows she gets faster and more playful and Aunt Katelyn has to keep up! Knowing when to just enjoy the moment, helps me to find the ground to do my work and not miss a moment of their personalities in my photography.
Photography has taught me to listen to others and learn about them, while learning about myself. In addition, finding my inner patient yogi has helped me really enjoy the moments in time with my clients. For many, this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to have beautiful portraits taken. I want this time to be theirs, for them to be in the moment and for it to be special, just as it is for me. As I've learned to enjoy those moments, I've come away from each session with a smile on my face and a new friend in my life.
Thank you to all the wonderful people I've been able to meet, work with and borrow a part of your soul for my images. I appreciate you sharing a moment of your life with me and allowing me to create memories for your families to last a lifetime.
Here are a few images over the past year that were a lot of fun and still bring a smile to me when I look at them...
