Why I love photography

As far back as I can remember, I have loved photography. I remember asking Mom if I could take a photo of her and Paige when I was about six-years-old. The photo resulted in me capturing their legs and the sidewalk. I obviously wasn't a kid prodigy. However, as I grew older, I always had my camera along for sleepovers at friends' houses or school field trips. I remember anxiously awaiting the package of photos from the local pharmacy or retail store. What fun that was! In high school, I even went to the extent to organize formal photo shoots with my four best friends. This included going to different spots, having matching outfits ... the whole bit! I can't believe they cooperated and went along with my craziness. My mom bought a SLR when I was in high school and did a great job of photographing my events ... prom, dances, sporting events and more. I didn't experiment with the camera a ton myself, however, I realized the potential that was there with a higher-end camera. It had always been a goal of mine to make the investment sometime down the road. As much as I enjoy taking photos, I cherish the end product so much more. The best part of a photograph is that it is a captured memory. A moment in time. An important event. Everyday beauty. A photograph is something physical we can hold, touch and reflect upon. The photos feature people we love, places we've visited and memories we cherish. There's really nothing that can replace them. The photos below are my two favorite photos within our house (and I know, I have a lot on display!). Ironically, I not only did not take either of these photos ... I wasn't even alive when either of these were taken.

This photo is capturing a moment between a father and son ... also known as my grandpa and my dad. This was taken on one of their family trips to Yellowstone National Park. As you can see, they are bravely (or perhaps foolishly) walking across a fallen tree trunk above a body of water. I love the composition and the colors (so 70's, right?!). The best part is that this photograph captures the type of men my grandpa was and my dad is ... adventerous, outdoorsy men. Wildlife and the great outdoors have always been an important part of growing up a Ruba. The best part, of course, is that this photo captured a great moment between the two of them. My grandpa has been gone almost six years and it is pictures like this that make me think about the man he was.

This photo is capturing a moment between a mother and her newborn ... Ryan and his mother, Kris. The sweetness of this moment is irreplaceable. It clearly shows a mother's love for her child. If anyone knew Kris, they knew she considered being a mother her greatest accomplishment. Ryan's sister, Jessica, gave him this framed photograph as a gift the first Christmas without Kris. It is simply beautiful and adorns a wall in our bedroom. We've been without Kris for over six years, and you can't help but stop and take a look at this photo and others like it to create a clear image of her in your mind.

My last year in college was the hardest year of my life. I saw the love of my life lose his mother in September and saw my father lose his father in February. Losing loved ones makes these photos that much more important. Our memories are still within us ... the photos simply help bring them to life.