Capture the Essence

How many times have you tried to get someone's picture that doesn't want it taken? It seems like half the people I try to take a picture of say please don't, for one reason or another. "I don't take good pictures..."; "I haven't brushed my hair..."; etc. There are as many excuses as there are pictures. Taking pictures of my loved ones has taken on a whole new meaning now that I've gotten older. Having two beautiful boys who have ASD (autism spectrum disorder), has made me realize, there are no bad photos. A photo of your loved one is precious, it may not look "good" to them, it may not be "flattering", but it's them. It captures "the moment".

When the boys were babies, we did like many families - we took every opportunity to take pictures. We started with pictures from Kiddie Kandids. They had a great program, backdrops and wonderful photographers, and it was great for us that they had great prices then.

We started the boys on the "Milestones" plan, which meant we could get pictures taken every 3 months for the 1st year or 2 at a discount. We tried for the the first 2 years to get those pictures when we could. It turned out that we got their 1 year and 2 year photos. They didn't have any "sitting" fees, so we could get a family portrait as well, which turned out to be the "best" - since we couldn't get the boys to pose for pictures alone.

The first picture went great, or at least the first pose, great smiles and everything... then the flashbulb went off, and so did the boys. A major meltdown - of course at the time, we had know idea why they wouldn't calm down. We finally had to tell the photographer to just "snap" the picture. It turned out that for the eleven months, we couldn't get the boys used to the "flash" bulb. Therefore, we couldn't get any "professional" pictures until they turned 2, but it wasn't for the lack of trying. By the time they turned 2 and we knew something "more" was going on, and we were relatively prepared. We got a great picture by explaining to the photographer to just start snapping pictures, and we started talking to the boys (through our teeth - while smiling)  and then tickling the boys.

Then came the school pictures, I still can't believe how many photographers - after explaining the boys have autism, and they need to just snap a few pictures and pick the best (especially since they're digital now). They still "know better" and "try" to make them smile, which usually makes for a picture that's worse than it would've been had they just listened. Like they know the real trick to get the smile out, and all the other photographers just weren't as good. A "real" photographer knows that it's all about the person they are photographing, and the moment. 

Last year we were blessed to meet a mom that did photography on a professional level, she also has a son with autism and knows a thing or two about capturing the kiddo. She took some great pictures of the boys. Though they didn't have the "model - gleaming" poses and smiles, she captured them. I love photography, but unless it's a landscape or portrait on my iPhone, I can take a "picture", but only occasionally can I capture the true essence of the subject, but that's ok - I enjoy trying. I now appreciate and love pictures of people that show who they are, and the true "inside" of who they are. 

From a mother's heart - taking pictures regardless of "smiles" or "poses" will at least capture the moment. It shows who the person is at that moment. When you put all the moments (pictures) together, you start to make a beautiful puzzle that is your loved one.
God Bless!