McBride Life: Hello, Mamarazzi

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Hello, Mamarazzi

Well, I've always been known to have a camera in hand, but since taking my class a week ago, and just in the past few days, receiving a new lens (thanks, Scott!), my little past-time has turned into a bit of an obsession. I think the first clue was when I misplaced my battery charger for 12 hours and ordered online not one, but two more (and then of course found the charger right after they shipped).

The second clue was when I found myself on the floor yesterday, barely able sit up due to neck pain, but clicking away with my head propped up on a pillow. (My neck is much better thank goodness.)

The third and final clue needed was today when we had a wonderful visit from my sister-in-law and niece, and even after I told myself the camera would stay in the office, out it came somehow and there it was in my hands just snapping away. I was like a drunk who found himself at a bar! But the moments were just too cute too resist.

I have no intentions of this ever being more than a hobby, and I'm still very obviously green, but gaining more control over the quality of my photos is really intoxicating and I'm hungry to learn more, and excited that I have 2 more workshops still ahead of me.

There is some guilt I've experienced looking through a lens rather than engaging in play (not for long periods of time but long enough to feel guilty). Fortunately, Austin is completely fine with it and even Tyler is sometimes looking at the camera and saying cheese. I do feel like I need to practice the techniques I learned now so they become second nature and then I can ease up...if only these boys could stop being so cute!

With a very exciting and funfilled visit from Grandma B. followed by the visit from Aunt Debbie and Nicole, this was a high octane day for the boys and both crashed early. Grandma was well-rested from an unexpected week off and ready for some serious play (as always). Debbie had just said goodbye to her son, Patrick, who she is so close too and is leaving to go back to college, and she thought she looked tear-stained (but didn't).

While Patrick was only going a few hours away, their obvious bond brings tears to my eyes, too -- with both a mother's empathy and at the thought that I could still be so connected and important to my little boys when they are 19.

Just a few of about a million pics from today below. I apologize in advance to anyone who hangs out with me. :-)