In the quiet hours, when the world feels like it’s asleep, I often find myself staring at the soft glow of the baby monitor. The serene image of my little ones, resting peacefully, tugs at my heartstrings. Just like many of you, there’s this push and pull I feel, a delicate balance between the roles I play as a mother and an Ottawa Motherhood Photographer. You know that feeling, right? When you're caught in the crossfire of wanting to do something solely for yourself while also yearning to be present for every fleeting moment with them. It's a tough spot. And, honestly, it can feel quite isolating.
As I gear up for a soul-filling photography retreat in the picturesque Catskills, I’m embracing a whirlwind of emotions. From the pangs of mom guilt to the yearning for personal growth, it’s a journey of self-discovery. Every step I take, I’m not just walking for myself, but for every family, every parent, every warm soul that trusts me to capture their intimate moments.
The Push and Pull
Isn’t life just a series of contrasts? One moment you’re caught up in the chaos, the hustle and bustle of daily routines, and the next, you’re soaking in the calm, cherishing the soft whispers and gentle cuddles. I believe every parent feels this: the oscillation between wanting to be there for every tiny moment and the innate desire to do something just for themselves. For me, photography is that bridge. It’s the art of capturing families in their environment, surrounded by the love and little things they cherish. It’s about using natural light to bring out the genuine emotions, the unspoken stories, the ‘everything-in-between’.
The Retreat: A Dive into the Intimacy of Motherhood
The Catskills retreat beckons, and with it, the promise of refining my skills in natural light photography and cinematic photography. I've always been passionate about capturing families in their natural environment — amidst the people and things they cherish the most. The keywords for this workshop resonate deeply with me: "real memories, intimate imagery, soft moments, authentic stories". These aren’t just words, they’re the very essence of what I strive to bring to every session, be it in Ottawa or anyplace my lens takes me.
Every time I think about the retreat, though, a question surfaces: Am I being selfish? The dilemma is real. But then, I remind myself that this journey of personal growth isn't just for me. It's for every cherished family who trusts me with capturing their precious moments. Every lesson I learn, every technique I refine, ultimately enhances the experiences I offer. As I embark on this 6-hour solo drive to the Catskills next Monday, it’s not just about enhancing my skills. It’s a promise to all my cherished families — a commitment to capture your life even more authentically.
Why I'm Sharing this With You
You might wonder, why I'm sharing such a personal dilemma on a platform like this? The reason is simple. It's these real, messy feelings that drive my passion for photography. It's the understanding that life isn't just about the perfect moments; it's about the chaos, the laughter, the tears, and the everything-in-between. And I believe this understanding enables me to capture the raw, genuine moments of your life.
Perhaps you've felt this push and pull too? The conflict of chasing dreams while also wanting to soak in every moment with your loved ones. If so, know that you're not alone. It's a dance many of us are navigating, and there's no right or wrong way to go about it.
Trying to Embrace the Journey
As I gear up for the retreat, I'm holding onto the belief that investing in my passion means I can capture our time together even more beautifully. The Catskills, with its serene ambiance, promises to be the perfect backdrop for inspiration and creativity. If there's one thing I'd like for you to take away from this post, it's this: It's okay to feel torn. It's okay to want to grow and be there for your family simultaneously. Life is a series of choices, and sometimes, the best choice is to follow your heart and trust the journey.
Do you ever find yourself in such emotional conundrums? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. Let's foster a community where we support and uplift each other through our shared stories.
