Thankful Thursday: Pictures

Pictures truly make my heart happy. When I was in junior high I spent my money developing film from the pictures I would take. I loved getting pictures back. It was my favorite!!! Senior Prom I had at least 8 rolls of film from that night alone. My favorite feature of my iPhone is being able to take great pictures wherever I am. And unfortunately I am not a great photographer. I took photography in High School but I seriously didn’t get it. I am improving and I know I need to keep at it. It doesn’t come naturally to me but that doesn’t mean I can’t improve.

I love looking through old pictures. I have spent so many weekends driving out to visit family and scanning old pictures. Those are probably some of my favorites. They are just so classic looking! But I also enjoy looking at recent pictures too. I love scrolling through my Instagram account remembering my favorite things (Click my Instagram button on the side of my post  or bottom is you are on your phone to find me on Instagram). I have been scrapbooking since I was in junior high. And I am still behind. I am thankful for Project Life and Chatbooks that help me record everyday life. And having books filled with pictures doesn’t just bring me joy. Countless times I have found my youngest son looking through pictures of him when he was a baby. All of my kids love seeing our first apartment, pictures of me pregnant with them, or all our candid’s through the years. I love sharing memories and good times with my family.

And I have been so blessed to have one of my best friends in my life. She has blessed my life and touched my soul deeply. She has been a rock when I needed her. But this post isn’t about why she is such an awesome friend. We will save that post for later.  I wanted to focus on her talent as a photographer. That too has greatly blessed my life. She has captured some very dear moments for my family. Having a talented photographer is such a blessing. I am so thankful for Shari Hanson and all the moments she has been able to capture.

She has taken family pictures and maternity pictures. She has been there for birthdays, blessing days, baptisms, and even my delivery of my baby girl. I am so thankful for her talent. We try really hard to get family pictures once a year or at least every other year.  I know my children will cherish these pictures as they look back and can get a snap shot of our life.

I would encourage every family to pictures at least once a year together. Even if they are aren’t professional. And I think trying to get a extended family picture at least every 5 years is such a blessing. I love how Becky Higgins from Project Life encourages others to document and take pictures of the everyday things. Like cereal faces in the morning. The boots Draco wore for years. Toys on your floor-again. Sometimes I try and snap a picture of something really important so I won’t forget an important memory. Or I will hand my phone over to my child and let them take pictures.

I try to capture some of the same moments every year, like a picture of me with my children on Mother’s Day or the first day of school. I love looking back on these moments. You can really see how your children and you have changed. And yes it’s important to take pictures of yourself too. Even when you don’t feel like you look like your best. I’m sure my kids will get a kick out of seeing the trends and fads I have worn. To see my different hair styles (although since having kids that hasn’t changed too much) and phases of my life. They aren’t going to care if I don’t have make up on or if I still have baby weight. Because that isn’t how they see me. They see me someone who loves them fiercely. Someone who loves holidays and really likes to take pictures. And hopefully they see my testimony and love for my Savior. Always take pictures of yourself with your kids.

I also love taking pictures with my girlfriends. This took me a couple of year to figure out. I was my friend Julie’s birthday and I was looking for a picture of us and couldn’t find one! We had plenty of our kids together. I make a real effort of documenting friendships. I love remembering all the special people in my life. And pictures always encourage memories. And let’s face it, I have great friends! They are part of my life so it only makes sense I take pictures with them.

I have also made a real effort to take lots of pictures of just Grady and me. Whenever we have a photo shoot for our family there is always a time to let the kids run around while we snap a couple of shots of just the two of us. We love our role as parents. Being a mom is my favorite thing. But more than just a mom I am also a wife. And our relationship is dear to me and needs to be nurtured. I love having pictures of the two of us. In fact our room only has pictures of us. Plus when our kids throw us our 30th wedding anniversary party Georgiana is going to need some material to make the slide show for our party. I want my kids to look back at these pictures and see evidence of our love. And that our marriage is important to us.

This picture above is probably one of my favorite pictures taken by Shari. It’s a four generation picture. My grandma has a 5 generation picture with her mom, grandmother, my aunt, and my cousin. I really wanted one. I was so thankful I could get this picture for Ginger. A picture with her mom, Grandma, and Great Grandmother. It is such a treasure to me.

I would invite you to take more pictures of your family. And remember to snap pictures with Grandparents and Great Grandparents because you don’t know when they will leave. Taake pictures and print them. Put them in albums. Scan and preserve family history pictures and find out who everyone is. I am a little bummed I have pictures and I am not sure who everyone is in them. My grandma or Grady’s grandma told me most of them but memories can fade. Record names and dates when ever possible. And make sure to hand the camera off to someone else so you can be in some pictures. You will hardly catch a picture of me in the first couple years of Gandalf’s scrapbook because I was behind the camera. And try to take some pictures professorially when you can. I know Shari Hanson usually has specials or mini shoots. Take advantage of those times. And if you are waiting till you loose “x” amount of pounds before you take your next family pictures, don’t wait! She is a professional . Amazing photographer like her know the most important job is to make mom look good. She can shoot from a certain angle or have your kids around or in front of you. Take pictures! You and your posterity will be glad you did!

Amazon Basic 60 inch Tripod

Selfie Stick

Here are some helps for capturing pictures yourself. And be sure to click on the tag more more Thankful Thursday posts. I appreciate you letting me share what has been weighing on my heart. 

All professional photographs were shot by Shari Hanson. Some of these items are affiliated links. You are welcomed to buy from anywhere. But I don’t mind if you buy them from here. I only share items I really like or use. Thanks for your support!