Pittsburgh Family Photographer | Personal Hour by Hour Challenge | January

When I first started documentary family photography back in 2014, I relied heavily on my own family to figure out how to make impactful storytelling images (and how to keep it up for whole events- even whole days). I practiced on my family by doing a DITL (Day in the Life) project frequently- back then I subjected us probably monthly. The idea of that project is simple: document your life, from morning to night. And let me tell you, it is HARD work! Hard, as in physically tiring and hard, as in mentally exhausting. 

So when my talented friend, Sandi Harkness put out a call for people to join her in her Hour by Hour challenge... I immediately felt tired. Ha! Actually, I was excited because I haven't done an all day challenge in a while and an hour by hour challenge only requires you to shoot one image per hour. Technically. If you can stick to that. 

Now that you know my "why", here is a weekend day with the Moffatts...

8am

He couldn't wait to finish his Lego space shuttle, so he came downstairs and began even before breakfast. When he noticed the dust motes in the shaft of sun was one of the only times he stopped, because he loves to watch them. (Photographer's kid!)

9am

Breakfast with friends. They aren't allowed to bring toys to the dinner table, but at breakfast anything goes, and I love to observe what's important to them that day, usually all lined up around their cereal.

10am

They were just playing. But I'm so drawn to capturing his silly faces, because he has so many! And with each one I photograph, I feel like I'm seeing a little more of the real him. 

11am

Wow! He actually did it! He built this entire space shuttle, boosters, and launch pad by himself. When did he become such a big boy?

12pm

The best kind of day goes like this: the kids play with no fighting. I drink coffee. I take pictures. He can sit in peace by the fire without interruption. Bliss!

1pm

There's always a hot toy or favorite game in our house in the winter. Last year, capes. The year before that, the plasma cars. This year, it seems to be the light sabers. So much so that my husband secretly ordered HIMSELF a red one. Comes tomorrow- they are going to flip!

2pm

Nap time is my time to work. I've been writing some educational photography materials and have lately been on a roll. I'm almost done with the first draft! High five!

3pm

He has always been sugary sweet upon waking up. Any time I go into get him after a nap, I try to remind myself to be present because I know these precious moments will slip through my fingers quickly.

4pm

On our way to meet the rest of the family, plus Grandma and Pap-pap for dinner. He wanted me to tell him what every button and level did on the dash board.

5pm

The boys soaking up the kind of undivided attention that only a grandparent can give while waiting for our food. 

6pm

I needed some light on his face to get this shot, but my only chance to get it (safely!) was when the light was RED as well, a stop light. Makes for an interesting portrait, no?

7pm

Sneaking in one last light saber session before bed. These images really aren't complete without the drama of the Star Wars sound track blasting through the house.

8pm

3 books before bed. Every night without fail. It's a ritual I wouldn't trade for the world - I would even go as far as to say, our family is built on love and stories!