Sunday, June 16, 2013

24/52 : Reflection



A Portrait of my children once a month, every month in 2013 via Che and Fidel

I knew weekly Portraits would be too much of a challenge for me with the arrival of the 5th baby but I really thought monthly portraits would be achievable. Alas no. I've already missed doing a May Portrait and we are halfway through June already. I'm going to sneak a little Portrait in here today though.

I love taking photos but as soon as I feel like I'm doing anything out of obligation I start to feel a little resentful and that is how I felt a couple of weeks ago when I realised I was due to Post my May Portraits. There were many extra obligations last month that left me mentally and physically fatigued, and I didn't take the time to work out which ones I could have easily let go. And now more than ever I need to just do what I can, when I can, without putting extra pressure on myself so I have the energy to be the best Mum I can be to the Kids. It's the very least they deserve.

So I will continue the rest of the year doing just that, simply capturing moments as and when they arise, as was the case with this photo that I took of my biggest 4 last weekend on the Tasman Peninsula. I love it because the day was completely unplanned and it was fabulous. The Kids had so much fun and the light was just right for some beautiful reflections on the Tessellated Pavement - an amazing natural rock formation. Whilst looking at their reflections just now I've done a little reflecting myself and have vowed to be a little kinder to myself, to be mindful of what is truly important to me and to keep my space here the way I want it free of any obligations.



34 comments :

  1. What a great photo!
    I am impressed you are finding the time to take any photos at all :)

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    1. ... and linked as my favourite for 24/52
      http://sofiasplayground.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/2552.html

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  2. Love the photo. Perhaps photography is your new calling. You seem to take some amazing shots. I guess it does help that you have some of the cutest kids around. Am taking some time to catch up on what you have been up to.

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  3. It's beautiful. I'm impressed you can get yours into winter clothes. It's freezing (by Qld standards) and I can't get mine out of t-shirts and shorts.

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    1. My Kids are the same but it has been a little extra cold this week and there was snow on the Mountain today, seriously cold! x

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  4. oh Mel! beautiful! took me a while to realise you inverted the same image! what a great mumma you are...yes, sometimes it's best just to put the camera down and let things and moments arise! I often just sneak a photo unbeknown to my children so they don't feel I'm constantly in their face xx

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  5. Fantastic shots Mel
    I'm glad you're being kind to yourself
    x

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  6. What an absolutely superb in every way photo. Very pleased you are also being sensible with your time. I am stunned I have stuck to the weekly project this long as I really thought I had overcommitted but so far i am just scraping by. mel x

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  7. Such beautiful shots. I've actually been thinking next year, I'd follow your lead and aim for monthly portraits instead... some weeks I just find capturing moments feels like a chore. In saying that, those are the weeks when I seem to take some unexpected shot I love :)

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  8. This is a great image, I'd have this one on the wall! :) x

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  9. fantastic!!...they actually baffled me a little at first! (yep easy done!). x

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  10. Such an amazing shot. I agree with Vintage Sheet Addict, I'd hang it on the wall. x

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  11. Mel that is such a beautiful shot. Gorgeous.

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  12. Mel, this is such a GREAT photo! And just think, it could have been missed if it weren't for Monty! Mother Nature at her best.xx

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  13. These photos are fantastic. The reflections work so well and I love the way you flipped the image. Being kinder on yourself sounds like a great idea. I am trying the same. :-)

    xx

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  14. What a great picture, I love it!

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  15. oh i think this takes the cake. So so fabulous. Just love their images reflected in the water. What an absolute awesome capture! xo

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  16. Great picture, love the way the shoes are colourfully popping out! Don't be too hard on yourself, often the unplanned bits of life are the best! (And make the best photos too!)

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  17. These are beautiful shots, Mel. So clever. x

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  18. Fantastic photo! I completely understand about the obligation issue. I wouldn't worry about it - if you can get photos like this once in a while then you're onto a winner!

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  19. That is a great photo! It took me a while to figure out how you got the colourful shoes on the reflection of your kids. Very cool.

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  20. Wow ... this picture is fantastic ... absolutely love it :0)

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  21. This is such a fun and happy shot :) I can't keep up with these weekly contributions either, and bailed out of 52 weeks of happy after only 4 weeks. I know no one is forcing your hand, but the pressure to come up with something new each and every week became too much (on top of everything else I have going). I joined the blogging world purely for fun and to get away from some pressures in my life, and I'd like to keep it that way. Enjoy your new freedom! Wendy x

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  22. It's a wonderful portrait Mel ... and if you only have a handful for the year you will still have more than if you hadn't participated in the project.

    We bloggers come under so much pressure to keep creating stuff that it can take all the happy out of it if we're not careful, so yes, I'm all for being kind to yourself and keeping it manageable. Life isn't a race, it's just a road we travel x

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  23. It's those oughts and shoulds tapping us on the shoulder.

    Be kind to yourself. Quite right too!

    Leanne xx

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  24. Mel...it is a wonderful photo and most definitely one for framing. What a gorgeous family you have...keep shooting those special moments..as a mother of four grown children, I can tell you time will pass in a blink of an eye. You will be thankful for the photos you have. Especially the ones that were taken sight unseen...meaning they never knew you were there. I call it my secret stash..just doing the little things they do, all the things you love about each and every one. Enjoy... xx

    PS..many thanks for your lovely comment.. :)

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  25. LOVE these photos Mel. I had the best intentions of doing the weekly photos too, but I suck at committing to anything lol, so it kind of went out the window. ou should most definately fram that gorgeous pic hun xx

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  26. Oh Mel. What a sensational shot, you clever minx. You have such a fabulous eye, my dear. You know what I think. Full credit to you for realising your needs and putting them first. J x

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  27. I just adore this one of your children Mel:) xx

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  28. This is one of my favorite portrait this week! i linked it to my 24/52 post! and.... 5 kids?!? it's amazing!!

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  29. this is one of my favorite of the last week and i linked it to my 24/52 post!
    and... 5 kids?!? amazing!!!

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