Week 1: Reflection

When I began this project a little over a week ago, I made sure to immerse myself in photography education, and everything revolving the 365 project to help keep myself accountable. One of the courses I enrolled in, was a p52 (Project 52, one photo once a week for the entire year). This is a themed based course so I thought it would be good to join it for when I'd hit a creative slump and have no idea what to photograph as the year progressed.

The theme in week 1 of the p52 course was "Self Portraits". An insanely challenging topic for someone who hates being in front of the camera (which might be the reason why I love being behind the camera so much!). After having kids, I have never felt fully comfortable in my body. And it would have been easy to "skip" over this topic, and do my own thing. But this course, because it was week 1 and I didn't want to miss the first week, it challenged me to get in front of the camera - to get in the photo, and to create memories with my kids. So that's exactly what I did. Although there's lots of photos that I don't care to post, I still have them for my own family, for our own memories. Mom was there. Sledding down the driveway on a few (rare) snow days here in Surrey, BC. taking garbage out with my youngest son who literally LIVES for garbage day. From making snow angels, to playing chess with my oldest, capturing my middle son playing with a slinky and making shadows with them in their bedroom at night before bed. I've become part of so much more than a subject in a picture - I'm part of a memory that will be with my kids for life.