4.13.2012

the one where i get over myself and just post the pictures already

If you're wondering why I haven't posted many Florida pictures, well that's a great question. The truth? It wasn't really a trip where we could stop everything...scrub and clean the kids...dress them in coordinating outfits and snap away as the sun set. My pictures from the trip are pretty snapshot-y. That's OK with me. I love them. My husband loves them and my kids love them.

Can I tell you a secret? I think along the way my pictures have become more about the people reading my blog than about my family. Even when I take photos I love, I wonder if anyone else will like them. What if people stop visiting because they don't like my pictures anymore? People don't really want to see snapshots of my kids, do they? Wouldn't they like to see something more artsy? I don't know how in the world my blog grew from 6 followers to over 400 in just two years! I don't link up to blog hops or challenges, I don't advertise my blog, I don't have my own business, Etsy shop, anything that would draw people to stop by and visit. It humbles me greatly. I wish you could know how your comments have encouraged and motivated me these past two years. YOU matter to me.

I don't know when I started thinking I could only post my "best work" on my blog. That sounds a bit silly, doesn't it? :-) I'm not a professional. Never will be. No desire to be. This is my hobby, something I enjoy, and something I want to get better at. I have thought so many times about making my blog private so I don't have to worry about any of those things. My family loves every single photo I take... so why not just make this blog for them?

I guess the answer is because of all the amazing, supportive, wonderful friends I've made. I value every one of you. I've made some very close friends, some casual friends, friends I'm silly with, friends I'm more serious with, friends I pray for, friends who email me to tell me they're having a bad day, and friends that tell me they're expecting a baby even before they tell their own families...

I can't imagine not having my e-friends as a part of my life, so I will keep my blog public and keep posting away. I want to learn and improve and become better! But at the same time, I need to remember I began this blog as a scrapbook for my family and that's the most important thing, right?

WHEW! Now that that's off my shoulders, here are a few shots from Islands of Adventure.




Next, a few shots from the beach. I think my beach pictures are the most disappointing of all my Florida pictures. I have plenty of mid-afternoon shots... harsh sun, unsightly shadows, the works. (WHEN did that start mattering to me? Ugh! I never worried about that before).




If it sounds like I don't like these pictures... it's not that. I do. :-) I just wanted those evening beach pictures in the golden light (you know the ones), with my kids wearing the brand new clothes we bought just for the pictures, and we just didn't have the chance. I think I had built it up so much in my mind that when it didn't happen, I was disappointed.




We were in a very small enclave of rocks here... so I couldn't go anywhere and the kids couldn't go anywhere. Thus the 5 million pictures from the same spot. ;-)


Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all your sweet words. If you made it through all the wordiness above, thank you for reading and listening to what's been on my mind lately. And most of all...have a wonderful week! :-)


42 comments:

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

I am glad that you got that off your mind.. do you feel better??? Cause all I care about is your heart...that wonderful caring heart..You are a jewel.. and I love you!!!

and the shadows rock!!!

Sara said...

I miss your pictures!! I love all of your posts, please don't stop :)

Lisa said...

I totally get what you're saying... Sometimes this bloggy thing is tricky business. ;) Your vacation looks lovely and so do your pictures (as always - snapshots or not!) PS...your daughter's bathing suit is adorable!

Lisa said...

I love your blog although I don't think I have commented before :/

I also love every one of these photos. You know why? Because they are they same photos I want to take so that when I look back at them, and my kids do too, they will remember the fun times.

I would be sad if your blog went private but would totally understand.

Jo-Anna@APrettyLife said...

I love your blog and all of your pictures! I tend to lurk and not comment, but I enjoy all of your posts (my goal is to comment more!)!
I love real life stuff too - all family vacations and outings are kids in mismatched outfits, and food stains and messy hair (at least mine are haha). Real is the BEST!
Jo-Anna

Anonymous said...

Love the shots and I totally know what you mean. Sometimes I feel bad for not posting something deep or a great photo (not that I often do) but then I remind myself that is not why I blog.

Anyway, your blog grew because you are real. That's what people like about you. You are real and kind and very sweet.

Jaymi said...

such fun vacation photos! I really love all the beach shots!

Amy H said...

Are you kidding me? Those snapshots are great! I will admit though that I've alwasy done the same thing about posting photos though.... I really should stop though, because my grandparents love seeing the everyday snapshots -- not just my favorites! Looks like you had a great trip.

SummersStudio said...

I stop by here often just for a little peek into the awesomeness of how you capture your world, these snaps included. For me it's not so much about photography (although I love yours) but more about how you see things and capture that. Thank you for sharing your vision of things.

Kayla said...

I think your pictures are magnificent, snap-shoty or not! Keep posting! We all love to see them! :)

Natalie said...

Well if these are your snapshots, then keep posting them. You have a wonderful eye and you don't need new outfits on your kids to capture them beautifully!

Jeska said...

First of all, your photos will never ever be anything less than spectacular because you just have that knack for it. Secondly, I consider you a professional and I think you would do the photography business proud if you ever opened up for business. I would love for you to take 'snapshots' of my family! Please? ;)

elizabeth said...

You have said it perfectly! I go through the. Same thing
Worrying that people will think my photos suck
Even it it's a memory I want to remember
Your photos are wonderful and I can't believe how big the kids are getting-,
Hope your doing great

Kristal said...

While I think you know that I think you are a fab photographer, I have to say that your "everyday" pictures inspire me to not always pose my kids, or clean them up... I want to remember life, not just the pretty moments.

And even when you show us what you think are "just" pictures, they are still amazing - worth 1000 words indeed...

Naomi said...

I too sometimes have to remind myself why i started blogging and taking pictures, for me, for my family. These snapshots are awesome. YOU are awesome Karli. I love your blog, your words and sense of humor, and your talent!

Our Beaten Path said...

Oh how I can relate! I started my blog 3 years ago as a scrapbook for the kiddos....I got wrapped up in all the photo challenges etc and kind of got away from the reason I was doing it. The past year and a half I have done it just for me! I love friends and comments but if I don't get them....I know that my family still loves them all and at the end of the year the book I print is amazing! :) :) On another note, we're heading to FL. What beach is that? Looks awesome!

Jessica said...

I totally understand and agree. As much as I love becoming a better photographer and trying to "prove" myself to my photographer blogger buddies, I keep reminding myself that what matters most to me isn't the awesomeness of the photos as much as the quality and connection they represent. They are for us-- my family-- and the people we want to connect with, and it really doesn't matter if the photos look amazing or just OK. My favorite photographers anyway are the ones who do share their imperfect photos.

Andrea said...

It's so easy to get caught-up in the comparison game and trying to be "as good as" all the other photographers out there. I totally get caught-up in it, which is part of what I dislike about blogging. But I remember that I do it for me. And I try not to keep track of how many (or few, as the case may be) followers I have. (Though I secretly hope to someday get over 100 followers! HA!) Or trying to keep up with posting as much as everyone else, or having as beautiful photos as everyone else.
I LOVE me your photos!! I LOVE that you are a new e-friend and they you email me and make me smile and laugh! People like you are part of the reason I love to blog!
I love these photos of your kids in the water. Especially TT in her big sunglasses. She looks like a little glamorous movie star.
Keep blogging. Keep wowing me with your photos! Keep being you! :D
xoxo

Katie said...

Looks like everyone enjoyed a super fun vacation!! :) I think your beach shots are gorgeous...those dark shadows just add to the story of the day. ;)

Kat said...

I love your photography. I rarely "set up" for photos any more - it's just not possibly with an on-the-go toddler, I can't imagine these 3 kiddoes. Looks like you guys enjoyed it - and your children are beyond words adorable!

Marvett Smith said...

I hate comparison. Why does it try to get the best of each of us? I have been struggling this week too. I so appreciate this post! Gorgeous images. Thanks for sharing who you are my friend. I love visiting your blog because I love visiting you! :)

Liza B. Gonzalez said...

Aww, come on...these are great! I love the one of the fish and the train ride. The important thing is that you had fun on your vacation.

I always feel the same way on my trips back from Orlando theme parks. The pictures are usually made up of tired kids in lines or hugging a fuzzy character or I feel like paparazzi when I try to take one specifically for the blog...at that point I put the camera down and raise my hands because we're going for a dip...AHHHH!!!

Tenille said...

Oh Karli!! I am always, always drawn to your blog...the reason being that it is so real! I strive to take pictures like you, even if you think they are snap-shoty...they are real and I love it! It isn't about the pictures being perfect it's about a story...your story...which is perfect! I am always striving to take the perfect pciture...like the ones I see on so many blogs but I have realized that is not me. My life is perfectly imperfect and I love it! Please keep posting and being you! It's much appreciated!

Anonymous said...

I am always amazed by your photos - they never look like snapshots. They do always look real and I love that!! Your pictures evoke such emotion...they will bring back memories for a lifetime. Memories that a perfectly posed in new outfits photo will almost certainly lack.
I love your beautiful, artsy photos because they are just perfect, but what really moves me are the photos of your kids and your every day life. They are so filled with emotion I can almost feel the love and happiness just looking at them!!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Karli- I hear you. I really, truly understand where you are coming from. But please know that I love coming here- getting to know you better & seeing all the awesome things you do as a family. It doesn't matter if the pictures are technically perfect- however, in my opinion, they are always beautiful, inspiring & just what I want to see. I would be so sad if I couldn't visit you anymore.

You captured some beautiful moments- I'm loving little miss's shades & suit. I know these didn't come out like you had envisioned- but it's the memories that each shot brings back that is important sometimes.

Adeena said...

I love the fish! :D Swimming in the sky.

That looks like a beautiful spot. And TT looks so happy! :D

If you ever go private, I expect an invite. ;) You're my adopted sister after all. :D :D

stacey said...

I was going to leave this lengthy post and lecture you on what a fantastic person, photographer, mom, blogger you are. Instead I'll just say that I adore you. Keep taking pictures for you and the rest will fall into place. xo

Lizzy said...

I totally understand what you are saying but I am glad that you have decided to keep your blog public. I enjoy your photos no matter whether they are artsy or snapshots. Take care.

Unknown said...

um... I think you described all of us who blog. We all think about who is reading more then we should. I know I do and when I do a lot I don't blog. Which makes no sense. Needless to say, your photos always are gorgeous. even when you think they are not. Harsh sun or not you are amazing.

Ashley said...

Ok first of all, not one of those look snapshot-y to me. But even if they did, I love that you post them! You have the cutest family and I love seeing them in action. Plus I live far far from Florida so am living vicariously. :) Post more more more! Thanks for your sweet words on my blog too. You are the best. XO

Amber said...

Girl, I am with you 100%. I started my blog for my family and somewhere along the way stopped posting the things I wanted to remember and started posting my best work. However, I have been done with that for a few months. Now, I can't help but LAUGH when people visit and write "Great shots" on those posts filled with snapshot-ie photos.

I am glad you had a great time and shared your family adventures. It will be your children and grandchildren scrolling through these posts 30 years from now anyways.

Anonymous said...

Oh Karli! This is why I love you and your blog. I LOVE the snapshots you get of your kids. That is why I come here, not for the artsy photos. You take amazing photos of your kids and I strive to be like you. I also understand where you are coming from. I first started my blog to capture and remember the moments that were great. I got to the point where I stopped sharing the moments because I didn't get good photos of it. That is where I am right now. I need to get back to sharing the moments no matter what the photos look like. Thanks for sharing. Sorry I wrote a book. :) PS if you ever turn your blog private you better invite me.

Skye said...

Oh please- those are some awesome pictures- and who cares if you don't think they're perfect lol- we all love em! And come on who can resist a picture of TT coming out of the ocean with those hollywood sunglasses on as if she's hiding from the paparazzi LOL. Love it! The important thing is you captured some incredible memories from vacation! ANd I want to be on that beach.

karren said...

I have had a bunch of things that have deterred me from blog hopping like I used to do, but today it feels good to be back in touch. These shots are all beautiful. I can sooooo Relate to the picture you have in your mind and the one that you get, under the imperfect curcumstances. So many times I go back months later and look at things I thought were no good and when I remember the feelings and the people and experiences they look pretty darn good afterall!!! I will never aspire to being a pro, and the shots I get and the circumstances where I shoot are all Ok with me.

penandview said...

I love this post. I Love that you are working on just being you. :) Keep it up girl.
t

Unknown said...

I can identify with every word of this. Want to know a secret? I was almost relieved when my dslr broke... I feel like I am free to take snapshots now and love the photos because of the memories they capture instead of trying to make each one amazing. Do I miss intentional photography? You bet I do! BUT I am enjoying this break and have a feeling that if I do get to replace my camera at some point I will appreciate it more and stress less. At least I hope so! :)

And as for these pictures... I think they are wonderful!! :)

Laughter & Love Notes Photography | Blog said...

Karli
You are your own worst enemy. Your photos are wonderful. No one is tired of seeing photos of your kids, or hearing what they do and say. I love that you and your children make me laugh. All your followers are here for that same reason. Don't try to impress us... you already did that. Thats why we like you. Even your "snapshots" and your iphone photos always turn out amazing. Don't be so hard on yourself... your photos are wonderful... you are wonderful.

Have a wonderful day!

Diana said...

Your photos are always amazing and I truly look up to you. The composition, lighting, editing, etc. I just love it all! (Speaking of which, do you use actions?) I especially love your contrast in black and white. Have you ever thought about doing tutorial and sharing all your wisdom? :)

Michelle R said...

Eleven days later and you're still getting comments. Girlfriend, you're loved!! :-D

I agree that all the best intentions (oh my goodness, we're getting to go THERE and I'll get THOSE pics I've been dreaming of for years) -- go down the drain once you're there and living in the moment! :) Despite you didn't get the dream photos -- what you did capture are a dream -- and are treasures and are going to be LOVED every time you all revisit that trip (um, photo book! now! yes, please!!)

And we both got to get over the "what if people...." cause you know what -- those people that have an issue with it aren't living our lives and can go fly a kite somewhere... and leave us alone! :) You're true friends (e-friends, real life friends, in-between friends) will stick around. Even if it's 11 days later... (blushing!) hehe!

Yes -- "I don't know when I started thinking I could only post my "best work" on my blog." does sound silly! This is YOUR blog -- YOUR rules, YOUR images, YOUR hobby -- YOUR family. Post what matters to YOU -- even if it's not "perfect" to some people's standards -- who cares, because while you're capturing that slightly soft focus image of your family but is perfect in your heart -- that other person is just grumbling about you, instead of capturing their own heart-felt-lovin' treasures!

Obviously, you're on to something good if you've grown to over 400 followers in 2 years without following the normal "blogging rules". Maybe more moms should take a page from your book! :) Not to say that it's bad -- but when you're so wrapped up in your blog and stressing about that kind of stuff that your family life suffers, well, that's just not right in my book. :) But we all go through those phases, I think.

Anyway -- glad you're still going to be YOU and do YOUR blog YOUR way. See the pattern here??? :-D

Love your park collages -- each image on their own says one thing, but putting them all together gives a great story!

And yes -- who cares about the lighting/shadows/harsh light/same location??? Because, woman, you were there as a family, enjoying life as a family, making precious memories as a family -- all safely secure in your own little cove, with warm sunshine!!! :-D Face the facts, lady -- next time you go-- just wish for capturing the memories -- and who knows, maybe that golden light will show up because you all were relaxed enough to enjoy it!! :-D

I for one, am wishing I fit in your suitcase. Cause I'd've gladly played in the waves with you!!!

xoxo
Chell

Unknown said...

I go through the exact same thought process, worrying if the pictures I take will be good enough for everyone else to see, when really, I'm the only one they're not good enough for. Thank you for the reminder that what everyone else thinks isn't what's important. But for the record, I think your beach shots are beautiful. :)

Lori Allberry said...

Karli my friend! You are far too hard on yourself. But then you know that! Don't you? My dear friend, without you and your blog we never would have met. Did your incredible pictures draw me here? You bet! But what you do not understand is that I think ALL of your work is INCREDIBLE!!!! I so sincerely mean that and I think you know it!!!! Stop beating yourself up! We would not be here if we did not want to be! So please just continue to post your incredible photos!!!! Whether you feel they are snapshotty or not!
I love your photos!!!!
XOXOXOXO
Lori

Lori Allberry said...

Karli my friend! You are far too hard on yourself. But then you know that! Don't you? My dear friend, without you and your blog we never would have met. Did your incredible pictures draw me here? You bet! But what you do not understand is that I think ALL of your work is INCREDIBLE!!!! I so sincerely mean that and I think you know it!!!! Stop beating yourself up! We would not be here if we did not want to be! So please just continue to post your incredible photos!!!! Whether you feel they are snapshotty or not!
I love your photos!!!!
XOXOXOXO
Lori