Well, it’s official! Photographers are allowed to resume work. I can’t wait to see the families I photograph year after year, and meet the new families and babies. Of course, our world looks nothing like it did at the beginning of the year. Covid-19 has changed so much, including family photography. I want to reassure anyone booking with me that I am going to be following safe practices for the protection of your family and mine.
Read MoreA series of photographs and words about what it is like to be a mother during a pandemic, isolated at home. How we are feeling with so much change and so many fears. By photographing mothers through the window, I aimed to explore that feeling of being needed and wanted all the time as a mother, which is amplified during this pandemic. The physicality of the everyday with young kids. The two sides that each moment brings of being so loved and in love with your family, and wanting an escape. The mundane things that you have to do over and over. The beautiful things that have come from a forced togetherness.
Read MoreI have opened my print shop! Over the past few years I have been taking photos when I travel, taking still lives inspired by Dutch masters and modern art, and creepily stalking flowers in my neighbors’ yards. I have been thinking of putting them in a little shop for a while, and after staring at my own walls for 10 weeks, I thought there might be others out there looking to refresh their home with some art.
Read MoreFirst of all, I have been trying to do this project for a while, but Rufus was just not interested. He politely and repeatedly (and quite patronizingly) told me, "Mama, you can take the photo yourself," and then zipped off on his scooter. A little blur who will not be winning participation awards any time soon.
To begin with, here is how I have been handling photo projects and all art/crafts that Rufus snubs:
Keep offering. Kids are so fickle. You just never know.
Model it. I have been making rainbows, coloring, painting and taking photos alone or with David for a month and a half. Sometimes Rufus steps up and joins in, sometimes he stands there and sets a timer and critiques my art while I make it... Today he wanted to take photos. WIN!
Shelter in place has manifested many beautiful moments of parenting and mindfulness. This is not that. I am a mother stuck in the nebulous places between productivity, caregiving, and a nervous breakdown.
I need to acknowledge that I am writing this from a very lucky position. I am privileged that my husband is still working at this point, from home, and it seems relatively stable for the time being. I am also in the fortunate position of being able to be flexible with my work while Rufus is at home with me all day, and I want to acknowledge that right off the bat. However, I have always thought that motherhood was made up of endless decision making, and I am feeling it more than ever.
Read MoreRemember that awkward photographer guy who would make you put your knees together and at an angel and then call his assistant over to comb your hair with the comb (ew, why were we all sharing a comb?) and tilt your chin at an angel and squeak a puppet at you while snapping your picture? By the time I got to high school I started figuring out ways to miss picture day. Those awkward encounters plus a stiff photograph in front of a watercolor backdrop that had been in use for 30 years have NEVER been my cup of tea.
That is why last year I started offering my own school photography services in the Seattle area! Yes! As a mom, I have sheepishly skipped ordering Ru’s photos two years in a row. One year there were costumes ( WHY? why was my child dressed up like Oliver begging for more gruel?), the next year he just looks like he would rather be anywhere else. We need better options for school portraits! So, in my humble opinion, I
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