My job as a family photographer has so many benefits and very few, if any, drawbacks.
One of the things I love most about my job is that I can be flexible with my time and choose when to work, according to my family’s schedule. Actually, I would probably say that’s not so much a perk, as much as it is a requirement. My first priority is always my family, so having a regular 9-to-5 job just wouldn’t be the right fit for me.
And, because I can be so flexible with my work, I’m able to observe all these little people in my house – from 9 months up to 17 years old – and I learn their mannerisms, their expressions, their voice inflections. I am lucky enough to discover – through careful observation at a distance – their favorite clothes and what condiments they like on a salami sandwich and whether they need to be reminded to brush their teeth at night.
These little people, who are both a part of me and also completely people of their own, amaze me.
I know parents are constantly amazed by their children so I’m guessing this isn’t such a remarkable statement. In fact, you might say, “What’s so fantastic about THESE children?” I would have to agree: others may not be able to see all the wonderful qualities I am able to see; but that is part of the joy for me. It’s like a hidden gem: you know the value even if no one else does. The view from the outside world matters not; the true value is not determined by it’s relation to anything else. A hidden gem has intrinsic value.
And so it is with my child. And yours. And every child. Our world may be populated with billions of people, but I like looking at humanity by remembering that at one point, everyone was a child. Everyone was a clean slate, loved by someone, and the precious gem that was just waiting to be unveiled.
