Thursday, October 23, 2008

Photostory Friday: Chasing the Moment


PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


Many years ago, I coined the phrase "A minute lasts for sixty seconds, but a moment is eternal." 
I thought I was so clever and insightful. I wondered how it happened, that no one had ever thought of it before. 

Of course, that phrase -- that idea -- is no more original to me, than it is to anyone else. Or, maybe, it's original to all of us. It's like the invention of the wheel -- no one person can claim to have been the first. The rise of the wheel was, more or less, simultaneous all over the world. I think it's the same with this idea of moments. Many people -- maybe those with a romantic streak, more often -- have this epiphany.
   I believe that the difference between a photographer, and a picture taker is that one seeks, and captures, life's moments, and the other simply documents existence. I believe that many people blog, for the same reason. I think that's what Photostory Friday is -- to me, anyway.

A chance to talk about the moments I've seen, through the lens of my camera:


The family reunion, when two of my littlest nieces, decided that I was a pretty cool guy.



The day  that my son played so hard, on that muddy soccer field.



That day I saw awareness in the eyes of my small nephew.



Our favorite vacation, so far, when we saw an 8,000 pound whale, fly through the air.



The beginning of a new life.



That day, on that road, between the storms, when the whole mountain was lit, with scarlet and gold.



The time I thought I was taking a clever picture, and Emma decided to take matters into her own hands.

These don't even scratch the surface.

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is an amazing variety of moments- each of them says so much.

I would say that while I strive to capture moments like this, sometimes I just have to let myself be the picture taker.

Ryanne said...

I love the moments we catch. I think I a bit of both a moment chaser and a documenter. It's wonderful. Your captured moments are great. I love the last one, it great!

Cecily R said...

Ah Chris...YOU are one of the reasons that PSF is so much fun and a success. Because you capture your moments so well...with words AND photography.

Pam Emmons said...

Beautiful, as always. I have never seen the road picture before. It's beautiful.

Kat said...

This brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful. They really do capture the moment.

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

I agree completely with Cecily.

Mom24 said...

Ditto Cecily. You're a great photographer...it's not just the pictures, your words sum it up beautifully.

This has been a rough week here, I'm definitely concentrating on moments.

Mandy said...

Another great PSF.

scrappysue said...

you are quite the photographer. great capture

Bren said...

I LOVE that phrase, Chris. Mind if I borrow it?

Those shots are all amazing. Each moment is truly captured!

Susan said...

I love how a picture can take you right back to that moment.
Your shots are great and capture some wonderfully simple, yet beautiful, moments.

Straight to Your Hart said...

Moments in time through and amazing eyes..lens..and words!!

Unknown said...

This is my first visit to your blog...and may I say, WOW!
I'll be back to read you soon!


~AirmanMom returning to her blog...

Kacey said...

I loved all of these photos just as I did last weeks. They are all great moments and it is wonderful you were able to capture them all.

tiarastantrums said...

I used to only document existence - I've discovered so much more now!!

Love the last shot - rock on girlie!

Indrani said...

Wonderful! Wonderful moments captured and so well told too.

latree said...

those are great moments you captured in a great way!

Supercool Hotmama said...

So many gorgeous shots! Plus, I just love to read your writing!

Weeksie50 said...

Even without your words the photos spoke volumes..

CC said...

These are lovely!! Wow. Great moments!

Corey~living and loving said...

I agree 100%. great post. fabulous! well said, and alllll that. :)
your photos are lovely indeed, and say so much.
Happy PSF!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I 2nd both Ryanne and Cecily's comments! Love to come and see what moments you've captured and chosen to share with us!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Refreshing! I love it. Those are great shots. Really, each has a story behind them and the photos leaves you wanting to know more. Photographer or picture taker....I'm wondering which category I fall into. I think I'm a fence sitter.

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Very well said! I love your definition of a photographer and a picture taker.

The first and last photos are my favorite. Emma I am sure couldn't resist changing your photo moment around. LOL!

Upward Falling Autumn said...

Great shots, as always! Being able to catch these moments is priceless.

And, you know that last one takes the cake :)

photomommy said...

Amazing photos and a well written post!

You always have the BEST PSF's and I really enjoy them every week. :)

MomOf4 said...

I love reading your blog! These are some awesome pictures and a great story! :) Happy PSF!

tammi said...

Ditto, Cecily. Like another famous quote says, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

koopermom said...

I just love your photos...

Lori of I'm no super Mom said...

Simply beautiful, the pictures and your words.

Karin said...

I love it - and that is why it is so difficult to judge the pictures of another without first understanding what they meant to capture. Wonderful moments are what makes life worthwhile.

Anonymous said...

I really do love your pictures because there is more to them than just a picture. What a wonderful PSF.

Working Mum said...

Fabulous photos, each capturing that moment you talked about. I especially love Emma's little touch!

Jientje said...

This is a wonderful collection of beautiful moments, and that's what makes blogging so much fun, being able to share each others moments!

Michelle said...

Great PSF.....you captured the moments perfectly. Your photography reminds me to stop the "smile" shots and look for those pictures that will capture the moment.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

That thar quote is my new favorite. I love it. Each and every shot of yours is so beautiful Chris. Well done!

Deb said...

very philosophical of you! and as always, LOVE the photos. gotta say, that little miss emma is a girl after my own heart.

Kellan said...

These were all such wonderful moments captured by a romantic eye. I loved all of these photos and captions!

Have a great weekend - Kellan

Laura said...

Such beautiful pictures- AGAIN!! WOW! LOVE the football one!

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

I just made one of those sounds. One of those sounds that escape your lips and interpreted would mean: "Dang, those are cool photos." and "Dang, I wish I had taken them."

Can I just say ... wow.

Robyn said...

Love that shot of the road. You capture some wonderful moments. Great post.

Storytellin' Mama said...

Great "moments" captured... so moving, really!!

Honey Mommy said...

Great photos!

I LOVE them. They capture some great moments.

Melissa said...

AWESOME pictures... I love the last one of devil/angel-- such a contrast!!

Joyce said...

Thanks so much, Chris, for visiting my Photo Story Friday post, and leaving such a kind comment.

I love your post about life's moments, and then the beautiful photos illustrating some of those moments in your life. :)

Amanda D said...

Love, love, love this post! Beautiful pictures and great analogy. Love the thought about moments. Happy PSF!

Jennifer said...

Wow what wonderful photos! I love the road one! Thanks for sharing this moments with us!

Unknown said...

That's a slew of amazing photos, and moments. :) Great PSF!

Brandy said...

Great pictures!

Susie said...

Wow -- you never cease to amaze me. Unbelievable pictures!

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

I couldn't agree more...one of my favorite sayings is "This too shall pass," which is why I love photography. So those moments don't have to pass.

that girl said...

I love the photos...and the words, too. I try to be more of the photographer...at times, others complain because I must take THAT photo...to me, how can you pass up something that captures the moment?

Anonymous said...

Great pictures!

Leslee P said...

love your photos...  my favorite is the one with the road.  You are so talented.  thanks for stopping by!

Holly said...

Your pictures are fantastic!!! With three exclamation points!!! At least!!!

Kmommy said...

Oh I love the photo of your two nieces walking - so adorable!
You have captured some incredible moments. Awareness in a newborns eyes is so special :)