A woman whose images are so rich and full of life and love, Stacey Woods is beautiful both inside and out. She was kind enough to share a bit of her story with us today, and of course some of her favorite photos.
When we were little, my mom must have photographed my two sisters and me at least once a week, and sometimes, I’ll bet, more frequently. She still has albums, frames, portfolios, files, and boxes full of images from our childhood. When we were a little older, we would get out our baby albums and flip through the pages, just like a storybook. So Mom would tell us the “story” that went along with each beautiful little snapshot. Some were sweet, some were funny, some were downright embarassing! But those stories became part of my memory, a part of MY story. One I tell in little bits and pieces to my children every once in a while. I remember those images vividly. Those were the 70s, of course, so every image was a little magenta, or a little yellow, and always had rounded corners. And I still remember, looking at each photo now, the “story” that went along with each faded image.
I have a terrible short-term memory. My sister got the gene of a true photographic memory, but I, sadly, did not. Not even a little bit. If I don’t photograph it or write it down, chances are I’ll forget it by tomorrow. But I do have very vivid remembrances of my childhood. For some reason, my long-term memory seems to be stronger. I remember the most insignificant, important things, which, to me, are one and the same.
I can recall the smells in Aunt Nell’s house at Thanksgiving (pipe smoke, sweet ham, baby powder, and yeast rolls), just by looking at a photo of Nell and her sister (my great-grandma) in their aprons. I remember the taste of another great grandma’s homemade butterscotch cream pie, and the yellow of the sun coming across the garden between our house and our grandparents’. My sisters’ little hands in mine as we ran across the yard. The sounds of my mom’s laugh, my dad’s banjo, and my Popaw Lucian’s fiddle. Some of these moments were captured on film, but the details live only in my memory. The warmth of the metal slide in our yard, the softness of my Momaw Bertie’s face. The grittiness of the soil and those wrinkled, pink seeds as we helped my Popaw Deb plant Sungold and Silver Queen corn behind his plow. The blue towel that my Momaw always kept on her lap as she snapped green beans. I remember the wind in my hair as my sisters and I rode our bikes up and down the dirt road we lived on. My family has photographed it all. And every single detail of that particular moment gone by can be conjured up, just by seeing an image and closing our eyes.
As the years passed, I noticed something special about those photos, these stories of my childhood. The snapshots weren’t just taken at milestones… first tooth, first steps, birthdays, first days of school. They were taken for no other reason than to remember that day. The photo of me when I was two, sitting in a chair with a coloring book. My sister as a toddler, wearing my Dad’s cowboy boots. Our baby sister gazing out the window at the cat on the porch. These images told me that these seemingly insignificant, everyday moments were the most important of all to my family. Those everyday, easily forgotten moments. And I love that message. I desperately want to pass it along to my two children, and their children’s children. I want them to know how important they are in this world. To know that they MATTER. That their everyday games, laughs, and loves are so very important to me, and to them. This is their story!
It’s funny what you remember, isn’t it? I think about that from time to time and wonder what little bits of life are making an impact on my babies. What will they remember about growing up, when they’re a Mama and Daddy themselves? What funny stories will they think back on and tell their children?
I know my childhood photographs have shaped my philosophy on photography, and how I want to preserve my children’s lives on film, as well as my clients’. I want them to have beautiful memories, just as I do, and beautiful stories to tell. To remember a moment, a fragrance, a texture, a color. Just by looking at a photograph. My photography journey began simply enough — I just wanted to tell my son’s story for him to look back on when he got older, and for me to cry over when he left home! It’s now become a wonderful gift that I can give to other families. Their memories, their stories to pass down. The message that they’re so very important in this world. That they matter to someone. And that their everyday moments are something to be remembered.
Every day my journey continues. And I never want it to end.
Stacey’s work is beautiful, and I’m so thrilled that she shared with us today! Head over to her website, and be sure to subscribe to her photoblog. Inspiration around every corner!
Today’s giveaway comes from a dear friend and fellow photographer, Shalina of Shalina Photography. She was kind enough to give me the gift of a fabulous Bowler Camera Bag recently, and wouldn’t you know she picked one up for one lucky reader! The Acme Made Bowler Camera Bag is fabulous!
According to Acme Made: This is not your average camera bag. Stylish design makes this one of the most fashionable camera bags on the market. Designed for DSLR’s and your traditional old-school cameras, this bag will carry your camera in high style. In addition to being a great camera bag, this unique little bag is perfect for everyday use no matter what you put inside it.
I love mine, it fits my Nikon D300 with room to spare! Please note: this giveaway is good for readers in the US only, thanks!
You know what to do! Comment letting Stacey know how incredible she is, shout out about the series/giveaway, just be sure to leave an additional comment for each entry if you want them to count : )
