"Put that camera down so memories can come back with the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and the feelings of those exact moments." 

- Justin DeMers (8:34 - 8:42)Michelle & Justin DeMersParents Photo Club

How to make memories last forever.

Are you positive that you'll remember everything special about today? 

You'd like to think you would. After all, how could we ever forget the memories our kids constantly create as they grow up? The signature smirks? The trademark dance moves? Sadly, the reality is our memory is incredibly fallible. 

No matter how long the day may feel the year will fly by. And we forget. This is why taking photos is so incredibly important. Our camera can be like a digital brain to capture those precious memories in strong and meaningful ways before they vanish!

"Let's not leave the remembering to our already overcrowded and frankly overworked brains. Let's take a win with our cameras and allow it to help us remember all the details of our kiddos childhood." - Justin DeMers (2:55 - 3:08)

Before you repeatedly holler, "Say cheese!" slow down!

Our main philosophy at Parent's Photo Club is to be more intentional, proactive, and less reactive in photography. 

It shouldn't be a reflex to whip out our phone, snap some shots, and promptly shove it back in our jeans pocket.

Here are three steps to ensure you're pulling your camera out for the right reason.

#1. Understand the What. Ask yourself what makes your kids awesome in this particular season of life. What makes them uniquely them? Is it their sense of humor? Their obsession with trains? Their need for a night light? Jot down whatever you notice that represents who they are as kids right now. This list can serve as a trigger to help us know when to take the camera out and to know what we most want to capture.

#2. Move on to the Why. With a clear understanding of what you want to capture, dig into the why. Why do you want to capture this particular moment of your kids? What is the purpose? For us, the answer is that we want to capture who our kids are, not just what they look like. Hang further back with your camera to get a better perspective on how you can transcend portrait mode and make a memory come to life.

#3. Great! Now Put the Camera DOWN. It sounds counterintuitive, we know. However, when you're behind a camera lens you're just looking and clicking a button. All you'll remember is what your eyes see. Take some breaks and put your camera down. Pay attention to the surroundings. Engage with all the senses to lock in a stronger memory and stronger story with each photo you snap.

"When you make sure to take those breaks and put your camera down, you're more apt to bring those memories and senses to life later, when you do revisit these photos. " 

- Michelle DeMers (7:35 - 7:42)

Choose to be present. Set a clear intention with a clear purpose before you pull out your camera. Otherwise, keep it tucked away.

Play, explore, laugh and be with your kids first and foremost!

The memories and stories sparked from these photos will hold so much more vividness and color down the road if you do. They'll last forever.

How to Get Involved

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If you want to dig in deeper and get more tips, tricks and strategies on capturing the everyday magic of your family's life, join our thriving community of parents in our Photo for Parents group.