I'm reposting part of a blog and some photos from a previous Christmas. I remember finding songs or videos that were about the holidays and Christmas to count down the days, finding a meaning in them, using a photo to represent something in the song. This was especially nostalgic but equally invigorating as I found familiar clips and brand new ones I'd never seen. This song can still remind me of less joyful times when we were alone on Christmas, through no fault of anyone or anything. It just happened. But in a way, we were glad it did. It gave us time to be attentive to someone other than ourselves and reflect on just what blessings we do have.
In glossing over this blog again, I suddenly found a new meaning. My photography. I always liked to use it when I write anything, it gives a broader context to the words. I like the sharpness and the colors in this set. At that time I was working hard to find the right look, lighting and composition. While I still like these, and the photos of the stocking hangers with some of our families photos, what is starkly missing is people.
I'm beginning to feel like photos of things can evoke emotions, but photos of people with emotion touches me more. The way light lands on the face, the way the sunbeams add a halo if from behind the subject, the subtle simple smile on both the lips and the eyes. I would much rather capture this than how light falls on an object. It creates a purpose for the photo, as if thoughts are being projected through the lens to the viewer. The person being photographed really does have a story, really does have dreams and visions of their own. In photographs, that person can clearly articulate those thoughts or leave you curious.
Sometimes it's not about that at all, it's about capturing tender moments between two people. To me, those are always intense. These two are clearly sisters, who in this moment find contentment in their togetherness.
In this recent maternity shoot with Ashley and Larry, these photos are some of my favorite, as they are their very first family photos. Clearly there are three people in the photos and you can feel their happiness. Precious. Their little one will be here soon.
Capturing people, feelings, emotions of all kinds, is such joy to me. That one second in a persons life will never be relived, but can always be remembered. Part of me wants to still feel like I'm making a difference to others. By giving them a gift of those moments. In those photos, they see who they are, I see them as beautiful.
When I originally posted the blog a couple of years ago, I chose this song because it fit at the time. We were lamenting over what seemed like a Christmas lost since we were alone, no one sitting around the dinner table; all the gifts were shipped in boxes, we saw no ones faces as they were unwrapped; and phone calls to family had been made but that warm touch just wasn't there. But in all that space and time, we met people who were hurting, really hurting and they were wondering what happened to their life. They also had memories of years gone by that were more of a celebration, more festive, more Christmas-y. But things change in everyones life, and even the spirit of Christmas is difficult for them to find in the middle of their struggling just to make it one more day.
Click on the link below to hear the song. I'm sure it will move you and you can decide if you can find Christmas where you are this year.
Merry Christmas to you and those you love, with Love.
Sarah Schmidt is a little girl who sings a portion of this song at around 2 minutes 30 seconds. Her voice is so beautiful, I wished she had sang more. Enjoy!
Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play
My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go
Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh
If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time
I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love
Where are you Christmas
Fills your heart with love
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