I have a quote that resides on my desk which reads: “Life is Lived in Moments.” An appropriate quote for a photographer, don’t you think?
As 2015 comes in for a landing, I’ve decided to put some time in some personal and professional end-of-year type stuffs; some cleaning up before 2016 arrives. Making room for the new year things.
For instance, organizing that box of business receipts.
HA!!!!!! That’s a total lie. I thought about it though. A LOT. Which is, if you didn’t know, practically like doing it.
On the photography-business end of things I did go about compiling a little Year in Review of photos. I went through all the work from my Photo Moxie Studio business with weddings, portraits and events as well as the freelance photojournalism work I do for the #NorthwestHerald and #NorthernIllinoisUniversity.
And then I reflected.
Mulled, pondered, reflected. Drank a lot of coffee. (I LOVE COFFEE!!)
Reviewing your work is SO so important for learning and evolving. But what started as a check-in-and-review work type of exercise also lent itself into a fun trip down memory lane.
Looking back at a year as a business owner is already a helpful task in itself. And looking back as a photographer there is that extra bonus that the photographs provide. You learn. You grow. And the photographs also are great diaries all on their own.
They are moment memory markers.
So some of the photos I stuck in my preferred Photo Moxie Year in Review pile included not just the photos where I profusely thanked the photo gods for smiling on me with great light, a desirable background and a moment that lends itself to being a stellar image. But also many other types of photos.
The outtakes and the behind the scenes…
Motherhood. One happy child and one foot in shirt.That moment when you realize that one of the bangles you were getting on your wrist just broke in half…Fun with props!
Max, of the fabulous Steffan’s Jewelers, breaks out in a running man. I encourage any and all impromptu dance moments.When a kiddo doesn’t want to smile for the camera the grandparents step in with some singing and dancing. It works to get the photographer smiling as well.
There are moments where I just loved the facial expressions. Looks of love from kiddos.
A kiss from Dad can result in smiles.
Or dogs.
I think this dog from the Young at Heart fundraiser is saying “Scratch. My. Ears.”
Or other looks…
She doesn’t like hummus apparently. Cracked me up.Pretty flowers get EXTRA BIG sniffs.
I am a big fan of the dancing moments. When people dance, you see a whole other side to their personality. It’s a language being spoken.
Whether it was a newby encouraged to try the dance floor…
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Or a pair of experienced dance partners.
Attempts to try a new dance.
Dances where they are just getting DOWN
And slow dances.
People. So. Many. Interesting, cool, talented, fun people! With great stories.
People trying new things.
Bivall Rahamat Awan stands on Normal Road on the Northern Illinois Campus, minutes after being dropped off by the greyhound bus. Awan traveled from his home in Bangladesh to Toledo, Ohio to have a short visit with his brother who attends Ohio University. He then traveled to NIU where he will be attending as a graduate student in Industrial Engineering. This is his first time ever leaving Bangladesh. “I’m not afraid,” Awan said.
People accomplishing their dreams.
Gonwo Dahnweih sits with the fifth of his six children and the last of his daughters, Ceverena. Dahnweih is a doctoral student at the College of Education and majoring in Literacy Education. He currently holds masters degrees in Social Work and Intercultural Studies and has already worked extensively in jobs that support both. His education, as well as his experience with crisis assessment, social work and trauma work, will be helping him with what has been a lifelong goal; to return to his village of Monroe in Africa and help with providing education for the people who live there. It’s been 25 years since Dahnweih left his village to escape being killed during what has now been a 40 year civil war. Dahnweih said he didn’t quite plan his life out this way but his education, his job training; it’s all carrying him to his goal of helping his village. Even if it’s a little later in his life. According to Dahnweih, this is a common occurrence with the men in Africa. “We bloom late and work forever,” Dahnweih said.
I also liked the photos where there was henna involved. I really really like henna.
These images ended up reinforcing my feelings of being so fortunate. My “job” is awesome. It’s filled with making delicious memories of all kinds permanent for other people through photos. And while I’m doing this, these photographs are memory moments for me as well.
Waiting for wedding time.
A stoic Santadog.
Oh Madison Museum of Modern Art. I love thee. #MoMA
Grandma says hello.
New baby brother.
Bubbles and blue skies.
a #FirstLook over Madison.
Dad holds his new little dude.
Play it again Sam.
These ladies were fun! #Steffans
Coming in for a smmooooch
An excited group of Mt. Sinai grads.
Checking things out.
“Bread Line” and bride.
No peeking.
Valerie Notarnicoloa, a sophomore from Algonquin majoring in art education, used to have dark brown hair down to her back. And then she went through a bad break-up. She said good bye to a boyfriend and good bye to long brown hair, in exchange for a shaved head with red locks. At first her parents weren’t on board, but then her mom came to accept it. “Ok, that suits you,” her mother said. Notarnicoloa agrees. “It matches me,” Notarnicoloa said. “I’m an outgoing person. I’m that unique person with an willingness to meet people.” Notarnicoloa feels NIU in conducive to diversity be it vibrant hair color or otherwise. “I love the people here,” Notarnicoloa said. “No one is rude or mean to me. Everyone is diverse here.”
While junior Raquel Wynn majoring in corporation communication from Algonquin (left,) junior Colin Hamaker , political science and education major from McHenry paddle in the front, freshman Ben Skipor major in social studies education and french literature from West Chicago, Ill.(back left,) and sophomore Kiefer Smolarczyk a biology major from Algonquin, Ill., keep paddling in the back as the foursome from the RHA Stevens crew make their way to the finish line during the cardboard boat regatta race.
It’s cold out when you’re this little.
While participants head towards the starting line, a line of bras decorate the finish line for the Care4 Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk.
Little man in dad’s shirt.
Puppy meets older dog at the vet.
Soon to be an older brother.
#EcossentialSolutions
Surprise proposals. Are. Awesome.
The #NIUMarchingBand rehearse in their Halloween costumes. Did you know Batman played drums?
Super senior!
Now to go through all my personal photos of the year!
Moxie Musings 
I love the humor and happiness in your photos!
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