I used to document our lives on my professional camera every single day. That was the standard I held myself to when it came to the photos I was sharing online and leaving for my children. I love shooting every day, because making photos and keeping a record of our time together is important to me, but I can’t tell you the last time I picked up my “professional gear” to record my personal life.
This year has been hard, and sometimes when things get hard I find myself move away from taking photos of my personal life. I wanted a way to preserve these artifacts without having the weight of the camera in my hands all year. Making a photo then sitting down to edit it has proven to be just too much for this weird year.
I decided to utilize my phone and the film I had sitting in a drawer to record the majority of this year. Film is cathartic to me. Being able to make photos and having to wait weeks to see the images is a magical experience. My Instax has also gotten a lot of use this year. I love being able to record our little moments without feeling the need to edit them.
I’ve been loving looking back at these photos from the past few months recently, and I know I’ll love them even more in the coming years when I look back on 2020 to remember that, while it was difficult, we made some good memories.
This is part of ARTIFACT MOTHERHOOD – a project shared with other female artists who are documenting our journeys as mothers and creating memories for our children through our photographs and words. Go next to the wonderful artist Hollie to read her post in our blog circle.
So beautiful Lauren. I love how you document your story. xxx
Truly beautiful record and words here Lauren. Just adore this story and the different cameras used and why.
Lauren, I’m so glad you documented this – the how doesn’t matter – the fact you have these is what matters ❤
These are the types of photos that live in our hearts for years to come. The type of documenting that can take you back to that same time and place in an instant. I yearn to get back to this place in my own art, it’s been a very difficult journey the past three years for various reasons… your resilience and realness have always inspired me. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I love the beautiful authenticity in which you document your life and experiences. It’s so raw and honest and I get every sense of the feelings in your words through your photos.
So absolutely beautiful, Lauren. I found the thought of using my big camera very heavy for a majority of this year as well – and I’m totally okay with it, it’s what I needed at the time. These are absolutely gorgeous images.
Such a beautiful life you live, I love your passion for documenting your family and I love the way you do it too.. Your work is phenomenal.