I remember a moment when I couldn’t see my Aunt again. When the only thing I had left were the memories. And now, the memories are starting to slip away and I can only find a few of them.
There are moments when I can feel what it was like to be cooking with her. To feel the way she’d look over my shoulder to make sure I was mixing correctly, or had the right ingredients.
The smile of delight on her face every time she would make the coconut cake I love so much. I can feel my heart light up, my mouth water, and a smile spread across my face.
All of this is mixed in with bits of longing to have opportunities to create even more memories together, or to be able to share her with my son.
Who is it that you think about? The person you wish you had a few more minutes with? The person that you have memories of and they’re slipping away with time?
Our memories are anchored in with our senses and emotional connections. Think of the times when you’d smell the coat or sweater of a loved one after they’ve gone. The longing of an embrace, or a look.
I know there are so many moments that I want to capture in time of my son’s personality shining brightly that I know may change as he grows up.
It’s why we love the cameras on our phones so much. It’s why we do so many videos and share so much of our lives with others.
Yes, there may be a bit of needing attention mixed in with all of it, but let’s focus on what the gifts are of sharing these moments instead of twisting it into some narcissistic motivation.
Candid Moments Bring Connection
Some of my favorite photo shoots are in the winter outside. Why? Well, because there’s always the “black sheep” in every family that starts the snowball fight.
The non-conformist that didn’t want to be there anyways because taking family photos is always such a burden to their level of “cool.”
While you might not choose the snowball fight pictures to send out in the holiday card, you might still pick one of them because as soon as you saw it, you couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
The one person standing off to the side might be a great memory of the “obstinate days” and how you made the most of it.
While I might be the one getting a clear shot, it’s you and your family that bring the energy and personality to every moment we capture.
So when I think about getting an opportunity to work with you and your family, or someone else that you love and want to share this with, I’m always thinking about ways that we can bring out these candid moments.
From the set for our Santa Mini’s of kids baking cookies in the mini kitchen or hanging out in a huge cocoa mug with jumbo-jumbo marshmallows… The possibilities are endless when we go to your favorite location where personalities shine.
What happens inside of the person who gets to see these pictures? Yes, they’re for you. But we don’t get these pictures and then put them in a drawer somewhere.
You display them, or get copies and send them, or share them on social media.
Yes, it feels good to get positive responses back.
And YES, it feels good for the family and friends to see you smiling, laughing, holding hands, and showing affection.
Or NOT! (I keep going back to the obstinate kid, because they really are quite beautiful.)
Imagine for just a moment, that you’re opening an email sent specifically TO YOU; or dare I say a letter in the mail, and looking back at you is this moment in time that someone wanted YOU to experience?
How do you feel inside?
Really notice how that makes you feel?
And then think about someone else who only gets a few moments every year to actually hug you, smell your smells, mingle their laughter with yours, look over your shoulder at what you’re creating….
How do they feel?
I would venture to guess that all of the memories they hold closest will come to them when they see your picture.
Giving the Gift of Photography
Now, maybe you want more pictures of your grandkids, or grandma wants to get you something and is always “nagging” for more pictures and doesn’t know what to send for the holidays.
Holidays are an opportunity to give people what they want the most. It doesn’t have to be the standard holiday photo card and random knick-knack.
It can be a gift card for a photo session. Because you know that sharing these memories has more meaning than a month’s worth of frappuccinos and a lifetime on the hips.
And while yes, I’m speaking to each of you and how this is an opportunity to create more memories for your family, I’m also speaking about those occasional people that you don’t always know what you’d like to do for them.
We always have a giving tree at the local church or hospital. If you’re feeling generous enough, the gift of a photo shoot for a family that may not be able to get their kids gifts is powerful.
The photos are something the kids won’t outgrow. It’s something a parent or grandparent can hold onto during tough times. Sometimes it’s the last thing that we have, and the first thing many people lament losing in catastrophe.
If there’s someone that comes to mind as you read this, take action on that thought. You’re probably right about how awesome it could be for them.
Reach out to me at kwdesignsphoto@gmail.com to pick up your gift card today. I can email it directly to you, or give you a hard copy on cardstock if you want it as a more formal gift.
The value of the gift certificate will always carry forward into a different package or option for the receiver to use in the best way for them.
And thank you, thank you so very much, for considering this gift for others. I get to see everyday how powerful these moments can be and how much joy it infuses into the world.
I’m looking forward to sharing this gift with so many of you!! And wishing you the best holiday season!!
Cheers!
~Kim
This peek into Kim’s world was brought to you by Emily Kamala. Emily is a freelance writer and life coach who loves to share stories, write blogs, and experience life so fully she has to bring it to life on the page. If you’re interested in reading more of her work, you can visit: www.EmilyKamala.com
Kim Morgan has brought her passion for connecting and telling stories through photography to life. Her ability to put you and your family at ease is so palpable you don’t even realize she’s behind the camera getting those precious moments for you to carry with you many years later. She lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and dog, where they enjoy exploring the mountains and laughing at every opportunity. Her website is KWDesignsPhotography.com to see her amazing work and set up your session!