One of the most difficult situations I have as a photographer, to be honest, is taking pictures of my own children. Not necessarily taking the pictures, but not having the guidance I give my own clients when it comes to choosing and displaying photos. My son is 7 and my daughter is almost 2 (wow, time goes by fast!). They are both at *wonderful* and fun ages right now to photograph. Granted, the almost 2 year old is more difficult than the 7 year old But then I ask myself (and many of my clients ask me the same question)- when is the best time to photograph your child? The answer is simple- now. Right now. There is never a wrong time.

As you know, we moved to Portland recently, and now that we are finally getting settled (I suppose- there’s always so much to do, so when someone says they are settled, does that mean they have nothing left to do? Because if so, we do still have boxes in our garage), I have been working on decorating the house. Of course, this involves photographs of the kids. I must say, I wish I had someone to guide me through the process as I guide my clients- someone to be honest about what will work and what won’t. Looking in from the outside is SO much easier.

As I have been in the process of going through old files and negatives, I’ve found some favorites of my son throughout the years that I would like to share. He turned 7 in November, and is definitely growing up. As hard as I thought he was to photograph years ago, I am so glad I have these memories of him. It’s amazing to go back and remember him at those times. So when people say photographs are priceless- they really are. These are memories that I can only experience through looking at these photos.

Seven years and two kids later my memory is not as good as I would have hoped. I don’t remember my son’s first steps. I don’t remember things that I don’t have written in his baby book  or that I don’t have documents through photographs and video. I remember things vaguely, but when I look through old photographs- the memories come rushing back.

I’d like to share a few photographs of my son from some film I scanned in:

Not film but still worth sharing..he looks so sweet and innocent, doesn’t he?

And this is him now (well, back in November actually):

If you’re thinking about scheduling a photography session, and wondering when- do it now. If you keep telling yourself you need to pull out your own camera or video camera more- do it now. Don’t wait. Keep these memories with you forever, time goes by way too fast.