Category Archives: About Me

May 18
Childlike Curiosity

There was a post on Boston Mamas this morning called A Penny For Your Walk. That post talked about how curiosity can motivate a granddaughter to take a walk with her grandmother, and it got me thinking about the power of curiosity.

Each child I have met has wonder and excitement in their eyes. Seeing that is so rewarding and life-affirming! I mean, I spend time with them and their families in their own home, but they still see most everything around them as if it was for the first time. It is in these moments that I am reminded about how exciting the unknown can be to children.

For years, it was that unknown that I was constantly preparing for, believing that getting the next thing (be it a flash or lens or camera or whatever) will ensure that I get good results, but great photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson wandered around the streets of Paris with one camera and one lens (can you believe it?!?!). It was that childlike wonder and that presence in the moment that allowed him to be open to the moments happening all around him.

The chance to be around the energy of children has saved me from the trap of wanting the next thing. I am constantly challenged by a variety of issues, but keeping curiosity and excitement in my heart that I have learned from so many kids gives me the perspective I need.

May 16
The Power of Wonder

NOVA is one of the programs I set my DVR to record, and thanks to a lazy Sunday, I was able to catch up on some past episodes while getting my knitting project started.
I watched the episode about Stonehenge; the way it was built, the technology perhaps used to build it, and new theories on the purpose of it.
It moved me. Stonehenge has always been intriguing to me, but I always felt like it was something that was studied and understood, and the mysteries had been figured out. However, there was someone on there that was trying to understand how they moved such heavy stones. After working on this question, he had an “ah ha!” moment, and postulated that stones formed into uniform spheres (seemingly common around that time) were actually used as a type of ball bearings to help move these stones, sometimes weighing tens of tons.
For me, this spoke to the power of wonder, and how seeing things in new ways exposes me to the magic of the world. On a good day, it is that wonder that moves me, and that magic that compels me to be a photographer.
I found this photo of Colin Ashley’s, and wanted to share a view of Stonehenge that I don’t normally see.

May 14
Sorry for the delay…

I follow a great blog called The Broke Ass Bride that’s focused on helping soften the blow of the cost of weddings, which can certainly feel overwhelming sometimes.
It has some great advice on it, and some great ideas to not only save money, but to get crafty and really add great personal touches to your wedding day/weekend.

Their post from yesterday was talking about how long it takes to hear back from your vendors sometimes. If you want to read that post (highly recommended), called “Oh, Vendor, Where Art Thou?” check it out here.

For me, it makes me feel really bad when I can’t respond to people’s emails or phone calls right away. I want to be responsive, and never want folks to think that I am ignoring them, but sometimes, I just can’t respond very quickly. Do you want to book an engagement session in 3 Saturdays from now? That sounds great! I would love to, and might be available, but sometimes I need to wait until another client, who booked that date already, confirms times with me. Do you want me to photograph your little one’s first birthday party next weekend? Great, I am available, but let me write up a contract for you first.

Trust me, I try to respond to emails and phone calls as quickly as possible, and give you the attention and time that you deserve, but sometimes, it’s not so easy to do. I will never send an email when I am distracted with other work, because your event is special to me, and I want to be sure I am in the mindset to be attentive and respond to your needs.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding!

May 13
The value of candid photos

One of the blogs I follow (So You’re EnGAYged) posted this on their blog yesterday, and I couldn’t agree with it more!
Below is the excerpt that really resonated with me. If you would like to see the whole post, go here.

“It’s really quite fun to capture a moment with your family (four-legged or not). Even if the photos end up being a little cheesy, it represents a time of love and connection. I never let a holiday go by without a photo-ops. Right now, we still feel like newlyweds but also have the excitement of an engagement as we plan our vow renewal. With the addition of the new puppy fitting in with our little circle, we are on Cloud 9 most of the time. I couldn’t help but get as many pictures of our happy little family as possible. And I’m so glad that I did!”
Capturing these memories is the important thing, of course. Sure, they might not look as good as you would like, but it’s the moments that are important, and with digital cameras, these don’t really cost anything to take! So, get out there this weekend, photograph your loved ones, and share these memories on Facebook!
Happy Friday, everyone!


All Photos ©2013 Patrick Rogers Photography