2013 SnapShop

So the plan for today’s post was to announce a new 2012 SnapShop date and that SnapShop gift certificates are again available. I had decided if there was enough interest, I would do another round before the end of year. And – there was enough interest, so I penciled in on my calendar “Nov. 25th – Dec. 16th SnapShop” Yesterday, I created a PayPal button. I updated the website. Updated the SnapShop page on this blog.

And then our internet stopped working.

I could hear my kids laughing in the other room and I looked down at my calendar

Nov. 25 – Dec. 16th.

Advent season. Why in the world would I want to spend every night of the weeks leading up to Christmas on my computer? Why would I want to add more thing to my plate when I know all I am going to really want to do is snuggle under blankets with my family. It is just not worth it.

So, I erased those SnapShop dates.

I’ll still offer gift certificates, but I decided the next SnapShop won’t be until February. And it feels so good to give myself that break.

I teach SnapShops for so many reasons. It is fun to help others learn how to use their cameras…to capture their days…to find a creative side many haven’t fostered in years. More than the technical stuff, I hope those that take SnapShops walk away with an appreciation for the joy of photography. That a technically great photo doesn’t always mean it is a photo worth saving. The photos below break so many ‘rules’ I discuss in SnapShops, but goodness I treasure these photos of Little One.

Because at the end of the day, I don’t care if the photo is technically great – I just want to capture the beauty of my days. And this Advent season, I want to empty my plate to fill it with the beauty of those days.