an endless summer story
Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 2:47PM 
What I have recently realized is that I have a perfectly documented photographic timeline of my family using just my images from the beach alone. From tiny, sandy feet and wispy, wind-swept hair to every pattern and cut of swimsuit, to an infinite amount of treasures found and captured in pictures, my children's lives can be traced back to the beginning from our collection of seaside photographs.
As my daughters have grown and changed, so have my photos. New moments appear and different perspectives catch the attention of my lens now. I sometimes lament that their toes aren't nearly as cute and chubby anymore and it's no longer appropriate to shoot pictures of little buns peeking from bikini bottoms, I embrace and enjoy discovering ways to capture who they are becoming.
I have to keep my distance a little more now and perhaps be a tad more stealthy as I shoot (which means it's probably about time I invest in a new telephoto lens) but I'm up for the challenge if it means captruing images like this one and keeping this beautiful story of imagery flourishing. Plus, it's just one way to hold onto the fleeting moments of motherhood just a little while longer which for me, is reason enough.
What have you been seeing through your lens this week?
best shot monday, family, fun
Reader Comments (24)
Love this photo! My daughter is taking her 1st surfing lesson this week and I can't wait to take pictures :) Any advice/suggestions for taking surfing photos??? Thanks!
great shot! as a mother of two teenage boys, i often find the frustration of trying to catch their moments. a telephoto is exactly what i need :)
Georgia learned to surf this week on our beach vacation. I can't wait for this to be her, with me looking on from a distance. What a ride.
I've been waiting to see these photos! Wow Tracey. Didn't you feel your heart being squeezed just a little when you saw this? Mine is, definitely. And I even have the requisite lump in my throat. ;)
i'm right there with ya at the beach :)
So true - what a talent you are and what a gift to be able to capture these moments in time for your family.
Great shot and what treasures you're collecting. You're kids will definitely thank you one day.
Hang on and hold tight to these moments. As they enter adolescence they want less and less of your 'presence'. Wonderful image!!!!
I love this image- I love that you can trace their childhood just thru pictures from the beach- I love rituals and routines, I grew up going to the same beach, the same shore as the back drop to my images growing- I posted an image of my girl today hoping to catch moments
I love this idea of our summer beach shots standing as a time capsule for the changes in our family. I wonder how much longer I can get away with the cutie bathing suit and bath tub shots? Thankfully, in the midsts of the busyness of summer, I always remember to snap some shots and later on marvel at how I almost forgot that day, that moment.
here are my shots from the week: http://dandelionseedsanddreams.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-fun-and-my-best-shots.html
It seems that we went on vacation too early this summer! Now I wish I had more of a vacation to look forward to. However, we are still doing what we always do...wait for the next thing.
The Waiting Place
This pas week has let me see my twins turn 7. !!!
Love the Endless Summer Story....what a great photo, capturing a moment in time. I think the best ones, or the most 'real' moments are the ones we take when they don't know we are watching. ;)
Mine is from a vaca we took to the gulf coast - will always remind me of the best summer has to offer and how much we enjoyed our island retreat.
In land locked Alberta Canada. any time at any beach is a cherished time. A recent family trip brought me back home to the lake. I covet ocean beach time though. lake time will have to do for now.
beautiful shot, Tracey. it's true that we do capture the timelines of our lives with these shots. how wonderful to look back on them. now if i could just figure out a good way to catalog them and keep them organized! suggestions? there's probably a whole post in that!
i cheated a little this week as my "best shot" is not from last week, but instead a big announcment on some of my best shots i'm very excited about! here you go: http://happyshackdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/harvey-collection-on-display.html
How powerful - to have such a great timeline of your family at one of their favorite places. Just beautiful. I've been lurking for a bit, and slow posting for even longer, but I'm back (again) for the summer... Here's the two kids I'm having a ball with this summer, and I promise to be a more loyal participant. (It's really one of the most enjoyable part of my week, so I need to stop letting things get in the way of accomplishing int.)
Love this photo, Tracey. Nothing reflects our kids growth like summer. I posted my picture and wrote about it on my blog for Best Shot Monday.
Best Shot Monday: Summer Growth
My oldest is only four and a half, and I can totally relate to this! Great moment.
My "garden" is the subject of my BSM!
I love how this photo make me wonder what she is thinking. When I am sitting outside and watching my boys enjoy the pool it make me wish it would be an Endless Summer, even with all the heat.
Oh mercy. She is so tall...the years are flying by now - let's get together!
My goodness, is that your daughter? She looks so old and grown-up suddenly! I don't think I'd realized how long I'd been following you until just now.
Travelling through Washington Oregon California, so I was a little late in my best shot... http://www.kennedyink.blogspot.com/
I love your story and i love this photo as well! I've been seeing pretty goregous flowers thru my lens this week! Love to you!
This is a lovely shot. A beautiful post.