Mother (for when I’m irritated).
Mom (for when we’re in English company).
Mama (in our mother tongue).
A few months ago I was thinking of ideas for a photography project, something that could go beyond one or two weekends of planning and snapping. Something that meant something. In the end it wasn’t a difficult decision – I would use photography to document the countless things that I have learned from my mom in the 26 years since I arrived, two weeks early on a cold winter’s day. Some serious, others funny and lighthearted.
So as soon as I decided to start this blog I began to think about which of these I would capture first, until the realisation hit me that without her none of ‘this’ would exist. It is because of my mom that I decided to pursue photography as a hobby. It is she who always had an SLR around her neck and who documented our lives with countless photos; who showed me first-hand what joy photographs can bring. It is she who taught me about aperture, shutter speed, ISO and wide-angle and prime lenses, until finally I got it (well at least I think I have).
The first photo in this feature, then, is a portrait I took of her on my 26th birthday, three weeks ago. I love the dreamy, reflective look in her eyes. I’d like to think that at that moment she was thinking that she is proud of the woman I have grown up to be.
My mom is the most important person in the world to me. All that I am, and all that I know is because of her.
love this, love moms, it is a lovely idea for a feature!
My dream is to capture what other’s have learned from their moms and publish a book. One day right? 😉
That would be a great book and, I’d imagine, such a rewarding project!
Nice post. Tell your mother that Mike thinks she is a very attractive woman.
Hahahah, thank you Mike. She is very beautiful.
What a lovely tribute to your mother, I really enjoyed it. I’m following your blog because I enjoy your writing and your photos. Nice job!
This is beautiful K! I don’t have a relationship with my own mum so am always in awe when I see a close mother/daughter relationship. I only hope that when I have my own children I can inspire them the way that your mum has inspired you 🙂
Hey Martina, thank you so much and I’m really sorry you haven’t had this experience. I really hope that I will have a great relationship with my kids too. Think it would make me so sad if I don’t.
Such a wonderful tribute to a deserving woman. And she’ll approve of the photo I think!
thank you Faz. i think she looks beautiful in the photo so she can’t complain 🙂
I love this post 🙂 And what a great idea for a project! I look forward to seeing more of your posts and pictures.
thank you so much. Who knows, let’s see ow it goes and maybe a book will follow one day.
This is beautiful, inspiring, and incredibly sweet =]
It’s si easy to forget how much they put into raising us–I bet she appreciated this ❤
Thank you Anne-Sophie. I hope you enjoy the rest of the posts that will come in this feature.
very nice entry…..
a photographer can only capture that kind of expression when they have a close relationship with their subject..it’s clear that you share that with your mom…lovely pic, your passion for the still image is palpable in this blog!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate the positive feedback.
Katie,
I had tears in my eyes. I love you so much. I must have done something right to deserve a post like this.
Hi K I really enjoy reading your blog and looking at your pictures.I belong to a group called the Joburg photowalkers,a group of people who enjoy discovering all of Joburg and taking photos of the places we visit.I really think you might enjoy joini9ng us for a photo walk,just visit the facebook page ‘Joburg photowalkers’ if you would like more details.warm regards rossG
Hi Ross – thanks so much for the great feedback. I actually am a member of the group on Facebook and have come to a couple of events. I do usually enjoy shooting on my own or in a small group though. Next time I’m going to a photo walkers event I will let you know.