Joy on the front porch – keep pressing the shutter of life with an Olympus E-1

I’d just gotten a new camera and even though it was near the end of November we were greeted with an unusually warm and sunny day. As I was checking out my new image taker my oldest daughter, Mary Inger, put on a coat and said, “daddy, come take my picture!.” Loudly and enthusiastically. Although I was still figuring out how to use my new Olympus E-1 with its 14-54mm lens, I obliged her. (Click on pictures for full size)

We started out on the front porch where she danced and played as I tried to keep it all in focus. I wasn’t always successful, but man did I capture her joy. I can look at these pictures today and be transported instantly to the happiness of that moment.

Then she attacked the tree swing that hadn’t been touched since summer with relish. I mean she jumped into that thing. It twirled, she laughed, and I just pushed the shutter button. Boy how I love that little girl.

Since that time she has grown and we don’t get as many of these moments as we used to. So it is with a little nostalgia and much love I revisit days like this and remind myself that the best things in life are the simple ones with your loved ones.

Spend time with those you care about as much as you can, and keep pressing the shutter. Years later you’ll be glad you did.