More Time Behind The Lens Taking Photos Of Our Kids. Those Moments.

In a recent blog column that I published, I mentioned a few things I've slacked on over the second half of this year and some changes I'm going to make in 2018. Updating this blog and information. Social media. Creating new, homemade dog treat recipes. Tackling larger DIY Dog Mom Projects such as the DIY Doggy Gate for the front porch. After Lisa got her promotion, my schedule changed a bit. I also took on some extra work for a client. I veered off the path. It's not Lisa's fault. It's no one's fault except mine. I own it. Amid the chaos, I've also realized there's a whole other area I've been neglecting.

Taking. Photos. Of. The. Kids.

When I say "taking photos of the kids," I'm not referring to the times when I grab my camera and spend 30 seconds snapping photos of the kids so I have photos for blog columns and Facebook pages. That's what I've been doing. Quick photos. And, there's nothing wrong with that. However, I need to put aside time throughout the week to take really great photos of our kids. Posed photos. Candid photos. The ones that truly capture their life, personality, and character. Seasonal and holiday photos.

I haven't done that in a long time.

Day after day I view a copious amount of photos that our pet parent friends post. Some of the photos are taken when their kids are posed. Some are candid. But, they're all adorable and truly capture their unique personalities.

And, I always think, "I need to spend more quality time behind the lens." They all inspire me. Motivate me.

One such photo was posted by our dear friend Kim. She's the wonderful woman who owns the 2 family home we live in. She lives upstairs with her human daughter and 3 rescue furry kids. She captured this photo of our fur-nephew, Willie. It was love at first sight. In fact, within the hour of posting, it became the profile picture on our Bodacious Biscuit Love Facebook page.

This photo is great for so many reasons. It truly captures Willie's personality. He's goofy. He's a big ol' love. He will snuggle and stare at you at the same time. He fixates on your face. Often times, when he and I have had these moments, I've asked him, "What are you thinking, Willie Babes?"

It reminds me of when Kim adopted him back in July of 2015. During the day, I run upstairs to take care of Willie and our feline fur-nieces. I take Willie out and give him one of our biscuits for his afternoon snack. For about 6 months after Kim adopted him, Willie would sit at the top of the stairs when I took him in. He'd stare at me. I'd sit there with him. Wondering what he was thinking. It's as if he didn't know what to think of me.

Then, after 6 months, he'd only stare at me for a few seconds, then he'd slather my face with juicy kisses. I always felt that's when I fully earned his trust. It was his way of saying, "You're a good human. You're my Auntie. You love me. I love you, too."

When Kim posted this photo, all of that raced through my brain. It's amazing how one photo can capture so many moments.

This is what I need to start capturing. Our kids. Those moments. Posed. Candid. Holiday photos.

It's one of the many things I'll be focusing on and putting more effort into after the first of the year. I know that sentence sounds redundant, but I'm determined.

And, I may even start a little earlier.