stopping the car to take a picture
February 12th, 2009
When we were in Maryland this past week, we were driving back to Angela’s house one day when Annalie said, “Mom! Look at the big X in the sky!” She pointed out two jet contrails that had crossed paths. “Can we stop and take a picture of it?”
Photo by Annalie, age 4y9m
As it happened, just a couple of days before I had been driving somewhere else and glanced out my window to see a lovely scene of house and field and sky, with the winter sky an unusual shade of greenish blue and the dry field looking golden in the dying light. I had thought to myself, I should pull over and take a picture of that, but no time! Later I really wished I had.
When Annalie asked me if we could pull over, with that pang of regret fresh in my mind, I said, “Of course!”
I am glad Annalie loves taking photos like I do. It’s actually a third-generation hobby! My mom has always been a shutterbug, taking her camera with her everywhere, documenting all the family gatherings and Sunday school classes and road trips. My grandpa used to get annoyed at my mom always taking pictures, and my aunt and uncles like to tease my mom and imitate their dad’s gruff voice saying, “D*mmit, Debbie, put that camera down!”
My mom might put the camera down for a few minutes, but she never stops taking pictures for long. She knows the value of a recorded moment in time. So do I, because she taught me. Annalie will too.
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My parents are photographers too, and encouraged me, and now Sam is showing some interest in the camera! I think it must be genetic.
How nice that you can share a passion of yours with Annalie. She’s young yet she’s got an eye for photograph-worthy things! I’m impressed!
Like mother, like daughter :)
I honestly believe that with digital cameras, cell cameras, etc…documenting our lives has never been easier, BUT…will we slow down enough to do it?
Good for you for stopping!
What a great hobby to pass down from generation to generation. I think families who take alot of pictures together really share memories; there’s nothing quite like looking through the old family album =)
That’s so sweet! I just drove from Texas to Tennessee and there were plenty of times that I wished I could stop to take pictures! But I was on a tight schedule and I couldn’t! :( Always do it when you get the chance; it’s worth it!
I’m not sure why, but a photo of someone at just the right angle can spark a memory – that first photo of Annalie looks just like you when you were little, Bethany.
And the last picture needs to be in your next 7days self portrait – awesome!
:-)