Photography has always been a way for me to freeze time—an opportunity to hold on to moments that feel too precious to let slip away. As a mom, I’ve always known how quickly time passes, how my boys seem to grow up faster than I can keep up with. But what I’ve also come to realize is how photography allows me to preserve pieces of my life that I can always look back on, even when the moments themselves are long gone.
Since Jhett and Jagger were little, I’ve been capturing their lives with my camera—from their first smiles and steps to holidays, moments spent adventuring to new places, and Jagger’s baseball games. I’ve always been there behind the lens. I’ve taken thousands of photos, and every single one has its own story. But when I look back at those photos, I realize that it’s not just about the pictures themselves. It’s about what they represent—the moments, the feelings, the memories that I want to keep forever.
Capturing the Innocence of Childhood
I’ll never forget those early years, when they were so small, so innocent. I took pictures of them every chance I got—little giggles, sleepy cuddles, and the way they would look up at me with their big eyes, trusting and curious. Those were the days when everything felt new. Every step they took, every word they learned, every little thing felt like a milestone. And I was there with my camera, trying to capture it all.
I think about how those little moments have shaped who they are today, and I realize that photography is my way of holding on to that magic. Because when I look at those photos, I can still feel the joy and the love of those early years. Even as they grow up, those moments are still with me.
The Changing Faces of My Boys
Now, as my boys are getting older, the photos have changed. They’re not so small anymore. Jagger has his own style, his own interests, and Jhett is becoming more independent, finding his own path. The photos aren’t just about sweet smiles anymore; they’re about capturing the unique stages of their lives—their personality, their growth, and the way they are shaping themselves into young men.
It’s funny, though—every time I take a photo now, I feel a sense of nostalgia. I realize that these moments, too, will eventually fade. One day, Jagger won’t be wearing his baseball uniform, and Jhett won’t be that teenager I love to tease. And yet, I know that I’ll have these photos to look back on. Photos of them as they are today, in this very moment, even when they’re no longer this age.
The Power of Sentimental Moments
What I’ve come to understand is that photography isn’t just about documenting my boys’ lives—it’s about documenting mine as their mother. The moments I’ve shared with them, the small victories and the quiet afternoons, all hold sentimental value. The act of taking these photos isn’t just for me; it’s for them, too. One day, they’ll look back at these images and remember not just the moments, but the love and the care I put into capturing them.
Sometimes, I catch myself getting lost in a single photo—the way they smiled when they saw something funny, the way their faces lit up in that one perfect moment, and I realize just how precious those fleeting moments are. Photography has given me the gift of slowing down and truly seeing the beauty in my everyday life with them.
Preserving the Memory of Their Childhood
As I reflect on all the photos I’ve taken over the years, I realize how much I’ve been able to preserve through the lens of my camera. The photos are more than just images—they’re the memories I’ll carry with me forever. The sound of Jagger’s laughter, the way Jhett looked when he had something important to say, the messy rooms, the quiet evenings, the love that fills our house—all of these are captured in photos.
In a way, each photo is like a small time capsule, holding not just a moment in time, but a piece of my heart. When I look at these photos, I can feel the warmth of those moments. I can hear the sounds, smell the scents, and remember the exact feeling of holding them in my arms or watching them grow before my eyes. Those memories—those moments—will never be lost.
Photography as a Gift to the Future
Photography has given me the chance to capture the love, the laughter, and the memories of my boys. But more than that, it’s a gift I’m giving to them. One day, they’ll be able to look at these photos and see not just their childhood, but how deeply loved they were. They’ll see the moments that I’ve captured, but also the emotions behind them—the joy, the pride, and the pure, unconditional love.
As a mother, that’s one of the most powerful things I can give them: the ability to remember these moments, even after they’ve passed. Photography allows me to hold on to what’s precious, and it’s a way to share the deepest parts of myself with them. It’s more than just art—it’s my story, our story, written in every frame.
