Friday, June 8, 2012

Now & Then


June 1, 2012


June 1, 2011

A lot can happen in one year. In the midst of 365 sunrises and sunsets, we laugh, we cry, we change, we grow. But as we live our lives in the day to day, it's not always easy to see the changes and the growth. Often we need the passage of time and the ability to stop and reflect over what has come and gone. The photos above were taken exactly one year apart....the last day of second grade and the last day of first grade. I can't believe how much he's changed!

Not only has he changed, but so have I and so has my photography! During this past year, I bought a new camera, learned some new post-processing techniques, started a 365 project, began collaborating on this blog, and started to acknowledge my creativity and artistry. It's been a good year. But if I didn't stop and look back at how far I've come over this year, I would miss out on recognizing those changes.

So my challenge for you today is to look back over the photos you took one year ago. Then look at the photos you've taken this week. What differences do you see? How have you grown as a photographer? How has your life and the people around you changed? Post your "Now & Then" photos to the flickr group and leave a comment about your thoughts! We'd love to hear from you!

And don't forget about our new theme this month - Attraction to Abstraction. We've seen some great photos so keep them coming!


10 comments:

Dotti said...

Oh, my goodness, Stephanie! He has changed! Amazing what a year can mean to children, isn't it? I, of course, look no older than I did a hear ago. *hmmph-hmmph*

I have watched in admiration as your photography style has changed, it's been a beautiful process, so "you".

This should provide us with lots of fun on the Flickr page! Thanks, Stephanie.

xo
Dotti

Deanna said...

Oh Leigh, what a little man he has become. Yes, children do remind us of the passing of time, and how quickly it goes. One day they are little children, the next they are little men and women. As Dotti said, "we never change" giggle giggle, but our children reflect the images of change and growth. Thank you.

Kim Stevens said...

What a cutie! And I was just reflecting on this same thing the other day....my son will be 15 next month and has the voice and body of a young man now. As a mom you think you will never forget their little voices, but my husband was watching a video and I asked him what is was of and he said it was our son from 5th grade (he'll be a freshman in the fall) talking about the tech decks he made. I didn't even recognize his voice at all....

Deanna said...

Oops, I just realized I called you Leigh, so sorry.

terriporter said...

Yes, children change so much from one year to the next and it is wonderful to have the photos to illustrate that. I haven't seen a lot of your portrait work and these are both excellent! Love the sparkle in his eyes! But, as you said, we change too. Watching all of us over the past year in the various Picture classes, it is your photography that I think has evolved the most. You have become a true artist, my friend!

Comparing my photography from a year ago to now shows me how far I have come as well. It's exciting to see actual proof of what I have learned and how I have grown during that time. The great thing about photography is that you never stop learning and never stop growing. So glad to be on this journey with you!

Claudia said...

Well he is gorgeous that is for sure!

It gives me a lump in my throat ever time I remember the beginning and ending of every school year. What a priceless photo to have for him down the road. Be sure to GET in them Steph!!

How my photography has grown is how I cull my photos... what I used to toss are sometimes now keepers as I look to the abstract or dynamic lighting differently.

I'm so glad we have you with us! You are a blast!

Linda said...

Aw! What a sweetie! Keep taking those shots every year! Such a treasure! I am doing my first 365 this year. I think it will be fun to look back a these daily pictures!
I see how my photography has changed mostly in the processing part since I finally got the exposure set correctly on my camera! I don't have to adjust the exposure on everything anymore! Saves lots of time!

xo,
Linda

Deanna said...

Oh Linda, you are so right, that was definitely something I have learned this past year, is exposure. I was always blowing out reds, yellows, oranges...I finally figured it out.

Carol said...

I love your writing, as well as you photos. What an adorable little boy!!!! And I love that BIG smile. Great idea to look back - that will be fun. Congratulations on 1st grade graduation - glad you are able to appreciate the moments!

heyjudephotography said...

Stephanie,
Your son is so handsome, and has changed so much in one year. I love to capture the first and last day of school as well - it really shows how much change has happened! I like to hope that my photography is always changing for the better. As I continue my learning and exploring I think that it does. As Claudia mentioned above, I find myself not deleting photos that I may have in the past. I look at them differently - maybe in a more artistic way- than I did before.

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