If you’ve noticed as of late I haven’t been blogging as regularly as I have in the past. There certainly is no shortage of things to write about, but life has been an interesting ride as of late. My focus the past several months has been primarily on family and for good reason. In a couple of months we’ll have a new member of the family arriving. This is something my wife and I have wanted for several years and in this time we’ve been on a wild roller coaster of highs and lows. We’re incredibly happy to have a 2nd child on the way. As I’m sure you’re curious, I know two details about the baby. First I do know the baby is a boy. Second my son has bequeathed this baby the nickname “baby cranky”. This nickname came about when I asked my son what he’d want to name his baby brother and apparently “cranky” was at the top of his 3 year old mind. Interestingly enough because I was curious I also asked him at the same time what he wanted to name the baby if it was a girl and his response was equally amusing, “wimpy”.
The process of being a parent has been hard, but amazing. While I thought I knew what sleep deprivation was as a night photographer, it is nothing compared to the prolonged sleep deprivation needed to care for a new baby. When my first son was born both my wife and I had brief moments of hallucination from our lack of sleep. We look back at those moments fondly. One hard truth about parenting beyond sleep deprivation is that time becomes precious. My time in the field for now is less than before and will remain that way, but it is deliberate and with purpose.
The one common element between parenting and photography that I enjoy is the ability to take in new perspectives. Seeing & experiencing a young child interpret the world with out bias, internal filters or awareness of boundaries is exhilarating and hilarious. This ability to see new perspectives is what makes parenting and photography so attractive and addicting.
With that I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from my son:
When asked what he’d wish for when he sees his first star, “More stars!”
Here’s to more stars!
Congratulations Jim. As a 13 week old first time farther I can relate to everything you’ve just spoken about (especially the sleep deprivation part) 🙂
Thanks John. Congrats with your baby. Exciting times!
Great to see you embracing parenthood, Jim. I’m sure I will cross that bridge at some point in the near future and will be picking your brain about it!
Thanks! Hopefully I’ll have a brain left worth picking