"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child, there are seven million." - Walk Streightiff

I met Hayes & Ann & their parents at the James K Polk home for our photo session.  As I always do, especially when a location is new to me, I arrived early to look around and assess the light.  I fell in love with the spot right away. I love all the variations of brick, the stone paths & the beautiful little garden. 

When I scope out a new location, I notice things that I might not see in "regular life".  I watched a squirrel for a little while and he watched me.  I noticed this beautiful tree with a strange looking fruit in it that I didn't recognize. I noticed a little area with some steps and a pretty wrought iron gate.  I observed the way the light flowed through the trees. Normally, if I were walking through an area, I might be distracted by thinking about all the things I needed to get done that day, or about where I was headed, without paying much attention to where I am right at this moment.  But when I'm scouting a location, and when I am photographing, well, anything really, I truly SEE the world around me. I think that is maybe what made me fall in love with photography.  It helps me to slow down and notice the beautiful things that are all around me. 

I imagine that must be what it's like for little kids all the time.  They are constantly fascinated by every little thing they see. This is what I love about them, and I don't want to stifle that wonder at my sessions.  My new friend Hayes is a prime example of that curiosity.  Several times last night during our session, he would look at me and say "Let's go explore!"  Yes, Hayes. Let's do that.  Let's play with the rocks and bang sticks against the wall.  Let's run and jump and explore and find something new we haven't seen before.  Being able to capture that wonder and excitement about life is what inspires me.

What about you?  What helps you to slow down and live in the moment? 

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