Proud As Punch

As a parent, we sometimes watch as our kids make mistakes.  But I feel fortunate to be able to say that I've had the opportunity to watch my kids make more good choices than bad ones.  Time and time again they have shown me how smart, creative, funny, and talented they really are.  And their ability to do whatever they put their minds to amazes me and makes me swell with pride!  I would like to be able to take full credit for creating these successful human beings, but the truth is I married well!

Recently my daughter decided she would try her hand at photography.  She's played around taking pictures for quite awhile now, but it's only been in the last 6 months that she has really decided that she might want to pursue this as more than just a hobby.

When her close friend B got engaged recently to her boyfriend T my daughter asked if she could take a few engagement pictures of the happy couple, just to practice photographing people for a change instead of things.  My daughter is a lot like me in that regard and had never really photographed people, except for the usual college Facebook shots, so she was both excited and nervous at the prospect.

The pressure was actually off a little since she knew that B & T would have other engagement photos done by the same photographer who will be shooting their wedding this summer, but she still wanted to do a good job.

And what a good job she did!!!  I was frankly taken aback when she sent them to me.  And although I know I'm biased, being her mother and all, I think they are really good!  Not just good, but actually pretty darn great!

She shot these on a cold day at midday, which is never ideal for good lighting, but it was the only time B & T were available so she made the best of it and still managed to capture the beauty of a young couple in love.  

I hope she is able to see the gift she has for this sort of thing and that she will follow her passion and find a way to make a career out of it.  Doing something creative is what she was born to do, and I know she will find her way, with Mr. Tide and me behind her cheering every step of the way!  After all, we are proud as punch of both of our children!

And to B & T, I hope you have a lifetime of love and happiness together!