When I was asked to capture Karsten's senior pictures I prepared as I do for all other photo shoots. I made sure my equipment was packed, batteries charged, memory cards empty, and we had a plan to take his photos as quickly as possible because boys just aren't super thrilled about being models (although he did seem to like it after just a bit of warming up!). Karsten's mother, Claire, and sister joined in on the fun of posing and joking to get the perfect pictures. We began the session near the water complete with his ukulele....
We were even lucky enough to have him play a little for us!
When Karsten we had had enough of the water, we headed to Riverside baseball stadium which Claire had secured for us to take some photos of Karsten in his baseball uniform. This is when the session was transformed from 'work' to 'passion'. You see, I have two little boys of my own. Both of my boys play baseball and I love it! But, as a Mom, I find myself racing from school to practice, practice to game, game to game - some days it is exhausting and how I've avoided multiple speeding tickets is beyond me!! Uniforms are stained, cleats are forgotten at home, ball caps go missing, and there's never enough gatorade!
But when Karsten came onto the field wearing his baseball uniform, I didn't see a young man on the brink of adulthood. I, as I KNOW Claire did, saw a little boy with stained white pants and dirt on his face and....it hit me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. They grow up. They stop asking for help - he even put his baseball belt and cleats on all by himself! One day, much sooner than I'd like, my boys will be the same...they will be taller than me, stronger than me, and they will no longer need, or at least ask, for my help. But they will always, always be my little boys.
I was honored to be able to capture these photos of Karsten so that he may remember his younger days, but more so for Claire. As his mother she has watched her little boy grow from the 'little leaguer' to a fine young man in what seemed like the blink of an eye. She beamed with pride as she stood from afar and watched her son shine in front of the camera!
Mother's Day was just yesterday and I am so thankful for the boys that God has given me to raise. I am also over the moon that my passion allows me the opportunity to capture moments in time. Moments that will allow mothers to look back and think, "There's my heart. It sprouted and grew outside of my body, nonetheless, always a part of my soul."
Happy Mother's Day, albeit a day late, to all the women who are raising strong, independent, and loving children! Cheers!
