Capturing Growth

Documenting the Milestones of My Children and Plants Through Photography

Life is a series of growth moments, both in the people we love and the plants we nurture. As a parent of two boys, one of whom is autistic and the other strong-willed, I’ve discovered a unique way to document their growth. I’ve also found solace in caring for my plants, watching them thrive under my care. Through the lens of my camera, I capture these journeys, each photo telling a story of perseverance, patience, and progress.

The Power of Photography

Photography allows me to freeze time, preserving moments of development in both my children and my plants. With each snapshot, I get to witness the subtle changes that often go unnoticed in the busyness of daily life.

For my boys, it’s not just about the big milestones like birthdays or the first day of school. It’s the quiet achievements, my autistic child mastering a new skill, or my strong-willed son finding joy in a new experience. These moments might seem small, but they are monumental in our world, and photography helps me remember and celebrate them.

With my plants, it’s watching a tiny seedling grow into a flourishing green giant or seeing the first bloom of a flower I’ve nurtured. These small victories give me a sense of accomplishment and peace.

Why I Capture Both

Caring for my children and my plants has taught me the value of patience and adaptability. Both grow at their own pace, and each requires love and attention in different ways. My boys challenge me to see the world through their eyes, just as each plant teaches me about resilience and growth in its unique way. Capturing these processes through photography reminds me to slow down and appreciate every step of the journey.

How I Do It

1. Consistency: I make it a habit to take regular photos of my children and my plants. Whether it’s a weekly portrait or a monthly growth update, this consistency lets me create a visual timeline that highlights their progress over time.

2. Close-ups & Details: I love capturing the small details, my son’s concentrated expression while working on a task, or the intricate patterns on a plant leaf. These details often tell the richest stories.

3. Natural Lighting: I find that using natural light brings out the best in both my subjects. The warm glow of a sunrise or the soft light of late afternoon enhances the emotion in the photo and adds an authentic feel.

4. Creative Perspective: I experiment with different angles and distances to capture moments in a way that feels personal and unique. Whether it’s a wide shot of my boys playing or a close-up of a budding flower, changing perspectives keeps the photos fresh.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

The best part about documenting these milestones is the ability to look back. The photos I’ve taken over the years tell a story of growth, not just of my children and plants, but also of me as a parent and a person. Each photo represents a lesson learned, a challenge overcome, or a moment of joy shared.

As I continue this journey of documenting growth, I’m excited to see what lies ahead for both my boys and my plants. There’s something truly beautiful about watching things grow, and I’m grateful that photography allows me to capture these fleeting moments forever.