Summer in Photos

A photo is worth a thousand words. It’s true. 

As a visual person (among other things) I value photographs. In fact, I look at the world through an invisible viewfinder constantly, taking mental photographs with the perfect rule of thirds. 

My love for photography was born when I was young. During summer vacation I would spend many days at my Grandma’s house. We truly practiced tech free summers. Oh, the 80‘s...My Grandma had 2 big photo albums. I remember on rainy days I would sit there at the kitchen table and study the black and white photographs ever so carefully, almost forensically. I would ask her questions and listen closely to her stories. I knew them by heart. But there was something special about that ritual. As I am writing this, those images move across my eyes on a filmstrip, slowly. I still remember them. Vividly. The familiar and unfamiliar people, their faces, their expressions, their clothes, the places, the fashion, the props...and of course the stories...I am not sure if that’s what shaped my love for photography or maybe I was born with an artistic eye...Or maybe a little bit of both. Because where we are, shapes what we are. I wish I could get my hands on those albums now...
There are thousands of digital photographs hidden in my external hard drives, CD’s, memory flash cards...We hardly ever print these days. Moreover, we hardly ever look at photos. I was searching the other day for a particular photo I knew existed but couldn’t find it among the overwhelming digital hay sack. 
So this summer I pledge to take less photos, print and enjoy them. The good part about film photography was you had to actually shoot selectively and mindfully. And that's what I plan on doing. 
I want to invite you to play a little game. July is almost ending and I hope you are having a fantastic summer. To make it more fun this game comes with a prize. First of all, I am excited to announce that Authentic Parenting unique T-shirts are finally here. Soon you will be able to get a sneak peek. For now though, I am offering one lucky person a T-shirt of their choice either adult or child size. It’s not your regular T-shirt. 
Send me a photo that best captures your summer. Whether you went on a relaxing vacation (never possible with kids), or had a fun staycation, or went on an adventurous road trip, traveled internationally (you must be brave), or took several day trips-we want to see them all. 

If you had to summarize your summer in one picture what would it be? What would that picture say? 

No one is going to judge your photo except for me. Your photos are going to be strictly confidential and they are not going to be used for any other purposes. Hiring a professional photographer is not necessary. In fact, photos taken by kids are also accepted and encouraged. At the end of the game, I will ask the winner whether or not he or she prefers the photo to be shared or his/her name announced. 
I know this is extremely hard but don’t think too much about it. To help you decide I would suggest thinking of adjectives that best described your summer. Then go over your summer photos and sort to see which ones match your adjectives. Narrow down to three and select one finalist. Boom! You are done. 

Submission deadline: August 29, 2013. Photos can be e-mailed to me with a subject line Summer 2013

Good luck! 
And of course you know me. I am going to give you a dosage of inspiration. All photos taken this summer. 

Doesn't this look like the right one is a male talking to a female on the left? Or am I reading to much into it? 

And by the way, the green, savory popsicle was not even tasty. It was one of my kitchen unsuccessful experiments. 

Hurry! Share some summer goodness!