Photography: Celebrating How Far You've Come

I don't share much of my photography work on here - the times when I pack up my equipment and leave my kiddos at home and actually prepare a shoot.

I don't know - photography is one of those areas of my life where I look at others' work and think how much better I could be, want to be, really, really hope to be.

I so want to become better.

But, in this season of my life where I'm focused primarily on raising my four littles, I play with my camera and fiddle and most everything I've learned about taking photos of squirmy pipsqueaks and families has come from reading and taking thousands and thousands of photos.

Maybe one day I'll be better, I tell myself.

But, for now, I'm just a proud Momma who mostly takes photos of her kiddos for the sake of savoring and remembering their little years.

Well, every so often, I take family portraits. I took portraits of our friends, Josh and Jessica and their six-month old baby Caroline last year, and I always take photos of my sister's family.

I always go into it with this anxious fear that I'm not good enough. And, that someone else would be so much better at this than I am.

Well, this fall, I took photos of our very dear, very first friends here in Raleigh.

I never shared these photos on here because, well, I'm hell bent on comparing myself to everyone who is better than I am and instead of seeing how far I've come, I only see how far I have to go.

And, I suspect that you do that, too. Right? When you're looking at the photos you take - you really wish you were better. Or had more skills. Or knew what this or that button did.

Or - how about this: You really wish your photos looked like hers. Or his?

I do this. I absolutely do this.

Well, I am sharing these photos today because I love this family. And, I love that Missi is expecting her fourth boy in September and that God so graciously gave me a friend who is walking the same road I am. What a gift.

But the main reason I am sharing them is to put into practice this little piece of wisdom I'm learning to embrace.

Because it is SO true.

And, so valuable.

And, because I know that many of you who read this blog are budding photographers and I want you to embrace this, too.

The only photographer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be.

And, you know what? Three years ago, I couldn't have taken these photos.

Because I'm learning. I'm getting better. I'm a much better photographer than I used to be.

And, if you're picking up your camera and shooting on a regular basis, I'd venture to say you are, too.

The only photographer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be.

So, keep on shooting.

Share your photos.

And, celebrate how far you've come.