Sometime around 1984 or 1985, I think it was for my birthday, Mom took me to Best Products and I picked out a Canon AE-1P with a 50mm lens. I knew nothing about photography and was only interested in it because my older brother was taking pictures for the high school newspaper. I wanted to be as cool as he was.
For the most part, I spent a lot of time, and film, taking really horrible photos. In eighth grade I joined the photography club. I don’t remember it being much of a club at all,but we got to use the darkroom a few times.
I went on to take a few photos for the high school paper and use the darkroom there a few times. Then I just sort of walked away from photography for a long time.
Mom was alway there though. That’s what Mom does. She lets you try a bunch of stuff, never gives you a hard time if you quit to soon or think something is too hard. She picks you up and dusts you off. Photography, Freestyle BMX, Marine Biology, several girls… She watched them all come and go. Helped fund a few of them even.
12 years ago I picked up a camera again. The last seven or so of those years a camera has been in my hand every single day. I’ve probably taken your picture, your babies picture, your wedding picture… You know who’s picture I never took? My moms. Not in a way that required any effort. Maybe at Christmas or a birthday party, but never a “formal” portrait.
I called up Mom yesterday and told her I was stopping by to take her picture.
Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks Mom. For everything.