Look to the Simple Moments | Season of Motherhood

2023. The summer Dad left for weeks at a time for work and we would stay up till the light slipped through the blinds reading stories…”

Him, holding my bike seat. Me peddling hard… I remember shouting to him over and over through the wind, “Don’t let go Dad!” him responding back “I wont! I won’t let you go!”

“Dad! Don’t let go!”

No response…

I look back frantic. He’s so far back my neck cranes looking for him…and I crash. He races to my side to dust me off and congratulate me, and instead I’m heartbroken… I’m mad. “You let go! You promised not to let me go!”

Undeterred, he holds the bike up, waiting for me to hop back on.

We visit Grandpa’s headstone together and I tell you this and other memories of him.

Like the time we jumped so high on the trampoline we ripped right through it. Water-gun fights on prickly grass, long car rides and country music in the pickup. That one time we found a perfect arrowhead…

It turns out all of my strongest memories of my Dad, your Grandpa, are of super simple moments.

And I know it’s hard to fathom my loves, but one day, the simple moments that are happening now, will be the ones you remember most too…

It’s why I love and feel this ever compulsive need to photograph the simple stuff, the silly stuff, the messy stuff, the hard stuff, the “happens everyday and who cares” stuff… because I do. I care, and one day I know you will too.

One day like Grandpa, we’ll have to let people we love go… but look to the simple moments my little ones. The gentle hum and flow of your day to day... Love was and can always be found there.

#artifactmotherhood

Welcome to the ‘Season of Motherhood’, a series in our @artifactmotherhood loop & blog circle. We are a group of artists and mothers from around the world sharing stories of our journeys of motherhood with words and images we want to leave as artifacts for our children and the generations to come. Please view the other following artists taking part this month starting with Leila Balin.

Business Spotlight - The Gratitude Garden in Blackfoot Idaho

For months I’ve had this idea to start a project that spotlights small businesses right here in Blackfoot and surrounding areas in East and SouthEast Idaho.

For this project, I am not just photographing images of the establishment, or the people who own or work there… but a true behind the scenes. A glimpse of the process but especially, the heart and soul that drives these small business owners to do what they do and create what they create.

I am so happy to say that the very first spotlight of this personal project belongs to Kelly and her Gratitude Garden.

When asked, what inspired her to start The Gratitude Garden, she said,

“For me, The Gratitude Garden has become a perfect fit. {A} piece of a puzzle to fill a spot in my life.” She reflected how starting this business has fulfilled so many of her needs and wishes.

“I was looking for a way to contribute to my family’s finances, teach my children to work through seeing me work, use my horticulture knowledge from college, stay at home with my kids, and most of all, find a meaningful way to spread joy…”

The Gratitude Garden inspires Kelly to reflect on the ways she has been blessed in her life and to share with and thank others in a special way.

“I have loved filling my social media spotlighting people I am grateful for and truly giving them thanks for their Christlike examples and influencing others lives for good.”

Likewise, she loves seeing and helping others thank those they love. “It is heartwarming.”

Kelly admits that starting a business was a bit scary, and that she doesn’t consider herself to have a great entrepreneurial spirit.” But says,

“I am so glad I took that leap and began this journey!”

You can find Kelly and her Gratitude Garden on Facebook at The Gratitude Garden.

Flowers and bouquets are done for the season, but her and her entrepreneurial kiddos still have a lovely assortment of pumpkins!

Know a small business in Blackfoot or SE Idaho who you’d love to see celebrated? Send me a message here.

Want to work with me? Have a local event you want photographed?

Artifact Motherhood - Don’t Rush Growing Up

I worry one day soon you’ll wake and decide you feel too “grown up" for childhood anymore. Too grown for playing in mud, or exploring the yard with toilet paper roll binoculars, or climbing trees…

I hoped and prayed this wouldn’t be the year you let go of any child-like things…

And luckily it wasn’t.

You played harder, ran faster, and embraced the “wild inside” more than any other summer and for that I am grateful.

But the fear persists.

What if this is it? What if this is the last summer of completely blissful and unrestrained childhood for all of you at the same time?

I’m doing my best to not let it consume me.

So I do what I always do when I need to feel more grounded and present… I take pictures.

You fascinate me. To observe you three is like going back in time and looking at life through the eyes of childhood all over again. And I am reminded that my fears might even be unwarranted because you are not me. No.

Little Tanae at your age always felt some strange pressure to be bigger, more capable and more responsible than she was, (or needed to be…) but that doesn’t need to be true for you my sweet ones.

Be wild. Be free. For as long as you feel you ought to be.

Get dirty, run hard, play hard, let your tangles blow in the wind! Laugh loud, take up space, follow your curiosities and remember…

We’re in no rush to grow up my loves.

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Artifact motherhood is a collaboration of artists/mothers from around the world. Sharing stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Our hopes and dreams for our children. With little nuggets of wisdom here and there. These are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for children and the generations to come.

Please go to the next photographer and amazing artist, Kirsty Larmour and follow our loop.

Want to Know What a Documentary Family Photo Session Looks Like?

I get it. Documentary is a little confusing and sounds like jargon that only photographers use and throw around. So it completely makes sense that you want to know what a “documentary” family photo session will even actually look like. Well the answer is simple… it will look like you. No, really! A Documentary family photo session is about capturing what life actually looks like right now. No posing, no fluff, nothing fake, or staged, or forced…

Something I ask all my clients before coming into their home is, “What does this stage of life you're in currently look and feel like?”

I ask this because my goal and hope during every session is to capture not just beautiful images, but images that actually mean something to you. Images that help you remember and cherish what your life really looks and (most importantly) feels like right now.
These weeks, months, years of crazy, frustrating, lovely, messy!… Go by so much faster than we feel they will.

The little moments throughout a normal day get overlooked because they become the repetitive but consistent hum of your simple everyday… until one day you realize you’ve subtly slipped into the “next chapter.”

All the little details, routines, quirks, and milestones fade away, almost overnight. The pain of that realization lingers like a dull ache without time to process it, because immediately you are thrust into new milestones, new quirks and new little people to become fascinated with and love all over again…

It’s why I shoot the way I do.
I want you to have more than your likeness in a beautiful random field, I want you to have images that feel like looking through a window to the past. A beautiful 3rd person perspective of your story at that time in your life that you can always return to and visit.

Below is an example of what a full documentary family photo session looks like.

When I asked this family the above question, they said life feels
“Hectic, but sweet..” and they wanted to capture the things they currently do together, including moments of laughter, their shared joy, bond, and the struggle and beauty of caring for 3 little ones.

What do you think? Were we able to capture that? What would it look like if we were to get together and capture a blip of your everyday? I promise… it’d be a lot more beautiful than you dare to think…

Tell me, what does this stage of life you're in currently look and feel like? What moments do you want to have to always look back on?

Want to learn more about documentary family photography? click here.

Think you want to book a session with me? Click here and let’s chat!

“Is in Home Newborn Photography for Me?” | Thoughts from a Lifestyle Photographer

When I come into your home, all I see is you.

Not the mess recently created by your two year old, or the bags under your eyes from late nights nursing, or your talent (or maybe lack of talent) for interior decorating, or whether you own a magazine worthy home.

I walk in and all I see is your family…

I see the way your daughter laces her fingers around your husband’s neck. I see the way you breathe your newborn in when you hold her close. I see how gently your toddler’s lips smush against your newborns head when she leans in for a kiss...

I see your seemingly crazy messy transitioning life and my eyes light up because what I see and love capturing through my lens is not unrealistic perfection, but soul quenching connection.

Real, messy, imperfect, beautiful, and unique to every family... connection.

Every time I am blessed to photograph a family, this is what I experience. When I see a family interacting and loving on each other, I light up! Photographing families is where my heart is.

I know when you’re deep in the trenches of motherhood, the beauty can be really hard to see. (I get it. I’m living there too.) The never ending laundry, constantly unexplained sticky spots on the floor, sick babies, late nights... raising a family is hard! Seeing the beauty in the everyday moments can be tricky… but it’s there. Sometimes we just need a little more outside perspective, to help us gleam how truly special and beautiful the chapter of life we’re in is.

When I walk into your little corner of the universe, all I see is how amazingly beautiful it is and I desperately want you to see it too.

Does my dream newborn session align with yours?

I know it’s hard, but don’t stop seeing how amazing, crazy, beautiful and wonderful this time of life you’re in truly is friend.

"The Woman in the Mirror" | Two Weeks Postpartum

This is my fourth pregnancy, third delivery and I have never felt so foreign in my own body as I have this time around.

Writing is cathartic for me. My personal way of making sense of my feelings and recording my perspective...

Below are thoughts I wrote while two weeks postpartum.

Her belly is soft.

It spills over her jeans like smooth kneaded dough that’s spent too much time rising.

As she looks in the mirror and runs her hands over her soft and stretched stomach lined with purple streaks, she makes a conscious mental effort to thank it and praise it for it’s good work. After all, two weeks ago this soft bulge (that still looks very much like a pregnant belly) created and carried life... She hates that she has to remind herself.

She caresses the soft empty womb.

“Is this really me?” She thinks.

She looks down at her form defeatedly, “I do not recognize this woman.”

As if in response, her reflection 'the woman' in the mirror sighs deeply, looks her in the eyes and gives a soft reassuring smile.

The smile from the woman in the mirror is gentle, warm, and envelopes her completely. It feels like a much needed hug on the inside.

She closes her eyes and welcomes the feeling.

At that moment, the small cry of an infant coos from the hall. Her body, all of her senses respond. Her child needs her.

She heads for the door, but before leaving, she gives one final glance to said "unrecognizable" woman in the mirror.

“You are doing great.” she says.

She stands taller, “And no matter what, you are always beautiful.”

She walks away, reaches for her child and imagines her reflection lingering and smiling proudly as if to say…

“I’ve never recognized this woman more.”

Remembering Motherhood with Personal Photography

That nagging feeling to step in front of my camera since Brinley’s birth has felt more and more persistent lately. Every night I’m reminded why as I put my babies to bed.
They go to sleep little and in the morning, they wake having metamorphosized. The change is gradual, but it’s enough to make my heart ache.

I have 3 children under 5 and my day consists of rushing around from task to task, foolishly forgetting how subtly and quickly it can all change… how much they can change.

Then morning comes and reminds me.

It reminds me through their maturing faces that these little people are literally changing right in freaking front of me! So much faster than my multitasking overwhelmed mom-brain can keep up with.

I know if I don’t slow down and take a moment to admire it and document it regularly…

I am going to miss it.

I have a horrible memory. I know that’s a common thing people say, but it’s true. Personal experiences and memories slip from my mind like tired hands hopelessly cupping water.

If I don’t write things down or photograph them, theres a super good chance I’ll forget the details forever.

So when I get that urge to stop and document my life… I do my best to listen.

I stop. I drop everything. I pick up my camera… even if it’s only for five minutes. I ignore the dishes, I put off the cooking and cleaning. I pull out my camera and just capture us as we are in that moment.

No dressing up, no makeup, (if that’s how I’m rolling in that moment) I just whip out the camera and capture our life as it is. Right. Then.

I’d like to say I do this because I want my girls to know what their childhood looked like, but the truth is…

I want to remember.

I have this dying desire to remember how tiny they looked in my arms.

What it felt like to hold them close. Kiss their tiny heads. Breathe them in so deeply it’s almost like they become a part of me again…

I desperately want to remember it. ALL of it.

What this period of motherhood feels like, looks like, sounds like.

And one day when they grow up and become mothers too, I hope they see my work and get a glimpse of what motherhood looked like and meant to me.

And above all, I hope they see how fiercely I loved them.

My Life in 52 -WK6 | In Home Lifestyle Photographer

Life in 52 Project: Week 6

“One of your favorite things to do lately is switch up your wardrobe. A small stain, a smudge of jelly, a drop of water… they’re all wonderful opportunities and perfect excuses to change your outfit or try on new shoes. No speck goes unnoticed and everything is quickly made right after putting on a fresh pair of clothes and casually throwing a tulle skirt or flowly dress on top.
For a while I fought your desire to change so many times a day, (the laundry was becoming unreal) but you’ve mastered dressing yourself and are getting very good at putting your clothes back in your drawers… so model away my little fashionista.”

My Life in 52 -WK4 | Tanae Sorenson Photographer

“You are 9 weeks old and we are rarely more than an arms length away. Most days you are sleepy and content, cuddled on me in the boba like a baby kangaroo in her momma’s pouch. I love feeling your little breath on my chest and kissing your goose feather hair while I whisk around running errands and helping your older sister.

This past week you’ve been awake more and to our delight you’ve started smiling, babbling, and cooing. You have so much to say and I love listening to you. I’ve learned your favorite place to talk is on the changing table. I’ll change your diaper and you’ll kick your legs in excitement when I respond to your babbles with sentences and coos of my own. Late last night, while the world slept, you filled the air with your soft fluctuating coos and we had our longest and most precious chat yet... You are growing so fast. I feel so lucky and so grateful that I get to take care of you. Please don’t grow too fast my little Addie-bug. ”

For more info on my Life in 52 Project, feel free to read about it here. Also, if you're interested in tips, inspiration and free guides on how to capture meaningful moments of your family this year, I'd love it if you'd sign up for my FLM (Family Legacy Makers) Newsletter.

My Life in 52 - WK3 | Tanae Sorenson Photographer

Week 3:

“Lexa baby, look how big you are. You really aren’t my baby anymore. This week you started preschool and you couldn’t be more excited. I was worried your shy disposition would get the best of you and make it hard for you to go to school, but you dove right into your new environment and loved every minute of it. You are my sweet, smart, playful girl with wild hair you love to twirl and whose penetrating eyes still give me chills and an itch to grab my camera. ”

My Life in 52 Project - WK2 | Tanae Sorenson Photographer

Don't mind me as I quickly catch up with posting my weekly love letters. Every week for the entire year, I plan on taking and posting an image of my daily life. Often, they will be images capturing memories I want to remember, and sometimes, like this week, they will simply be descriptions of my week and the little thoughts that cross my mind.

Life in 52 Project | Week 2:

“This has been a week of embracing everything exactly as it is. Grandma is gone, routine is still non-existent, and we are taking things nice and slow. I sit nursing Addie, feeling exhausted and wondering what I have to show for the day, when I look over and notice the soft light on your face Alexa. You are flipping the pages of your book so tenderly, patiently waiting while I nurse baby sis. No more than 40 minutes ago you were having an inconsolable tantrum and wanted nothing to do with me, but now here you are. Sweetly reading me stories. I embrace you and you, forgiving as always, embrace me back. I pull out my camera and we all huddle in close because this week and every week this year, all I really want is to breathe you in. You my sweet girls and this challenging yet wonderful role I strive to measure up to as your mother.”

If you want to learn more about my 52 Project, feel free to read about it, (or even start your own project!) here. Also, for monthly tips, inspiration and tools on how to capture meaningful moments of your family, don't forget to sign up for my FLM (Family Legacy Makers) Newsletter.

Creating a Family Legacy - My Life in 52 Project | Tanae Sorenson Photographer

Every year I choose a project to work on. For the past two I've attempted a 365, (taking a photo every day) but both years I found myself falling short and feeling overwhelmed with the thought of editing and posting an image Every. Single. Day.

New Project. New Year.

With a toddler and a new baby, I suffer pretty hard with the mommy brain right now, so shooting my family life consistently solidifies the year for me and helps the passing time feel less like a blur. That being said... I have a toddler and a new baby. Photographing, editing, and posting an image every day to social media is not realistic for me right now or even desirable.

So, I've decided to work on a less beefed up (but still super cool) version of a 365 called a Project 52.

Rather than taking a photo every day, I take and post one photo every week. Waaaaay more manageable sounding for my mommy brain right now. (Crossing my fingers.)

I Want to Do a Project 52 Too! Do I Need to Be a Photographer to Participate?

Definitely not! If this sounds like something you want to do, all you need is a camera, (or a phone) and a desire to photograph someone or something in your life every week that you love, value, or want to remember. You can read the full project description here. Or you can even join this super cool group of others (M4H Project 52) doing the same project here.

A Year of Visual Letters

With my photo every week, I plan on writing a little blurb or 'love letter' to my girls about our lives from the week. My hope is to turn this project into a book at the end of the year that my family, but especially my girls, can look back on and read. Images are powerful. I love how a single photograph can bring back a forgotten memory, preserve a beautiful moment, and make me feel something bigger than myself. When I couple that with a few of my own words and thoughts, it gives a photograph even more depth, life, and meaning for me. And that's my real goal. Not perfection, just consistency in recording what's most important to me. My family. This is the year I create a legacy with more life and meaning for me and the people I love.

Creating Your Family Legacy

I plan on posting my weekly's here regularly, so join my mailing list to follow along and / or receive tips, inspiration, and free tools to help you document your family's story this year. Keep up the good work documenting your story friends.

Week 1:

“It’s official. It is a new year. You, my sweet Adelyn (or Addie-bug as I like to call you) joined our family in November and we are now nicely settled in our new home in England. When I imagined our lives, I never guessed we would be a military family, or that we would be stationed in Europe not once but twice! It all feels a little dreamlike. We love our new home and are soaking up this rare opportunity to live abroad for so many years, but I’ve got to confess... living on the other side of the globe makes me miss the days when I never had to drive more than an hour, (sometimes only 5 minutes) to see my family. Which is why this Christmas was so special. Grandma Suzy came down for a visit. Grandma does not travel often and mommy felt so lucky to have her here and so happy that she could see and get to know both of you, my sweet girls. Do you know how special you are? Do you know how much you are both loved? I hope you always do.”

If you decide to jump in on this project, or join the M4H Project 52 group, let me know in the comments below so I can follow along and cheer you on.