"Shoemaker's Children Need Shoes"

by Skip Cohen

While I'm always off-track from photography on Sunday mornings, today's post is more photo-centric. I want to give you something to think about in terms of your own family.

If there's one thing the pandemic has given us, beyond the challenges and frustrations of the virus, it's TIME! I've had an album of pictures of my folks on a shelf for years, and yesterday took the time to look through it.

I've pulled a few of my favorites, but let's get right to the point this morning. Photographs are about capturing memories, intangible moments that turn into something you can touch. Great pictures allow you to feel and transport yourself to times when life was different.

The album is essentially a day in my Mom and Dad's life, captured by Bambi Cantrell. She spent the better part of a day with them. Now, seven years after my Mom's been gone and five since Dad passed away, the book has become an incredible treasure. 

When was the last time you captured images of your own family? While we always think about the kids growing up and changing, your parents aren't getting any younger. When they're gone, what photographs will you have to tell their story?

I know I've shared this quote a dozen times in previous posts, but there isn't one better:

This is what I like about photographs.
They’re proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat,
everything was perfect. 
Jodi Picoult

​Here's my point - Stop procrastinating and take the time to capture those moments that years from now will have such incredible meaning. You're photographers, and the line about "shoemaker's children always need shoes" couldn't be more appropriate when it comes to photographers capturing their own memories.

​Wishing everybody a terrific Sunday and the time to create a few memories to capture.

Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near...
​still loved, still missed and very dear.
Anonymous

Happy Sunday everybody, or Monday for friends on the other side of the world.