This week’s theme is Reflect. Wow, this one really got me thinking as you could take it in a lot of directions.  But most of all what it made me think about was reflecting on my personal journey in photography.  I can’t believe I have been doing this for a living for over 4 years…and then I remembered my very first paying client.  This was back in 2004, when I was still in school at the University of Washington, in the fine art photography program.  I photographed this family session with my Hasselblad, medium format camera, using my favorite Ilford 100 speed 120mm film…even processed the film and prints myself in the darkroom.  Back then digital was still the new kid on the block, and I had dreams of a business photographing families all on b&w film.  Boy, so much has changed!  However my vision, what makes me me, still remains.  I love everything about this picture.  It is unconventional for a family portrait yes, but it perfectly captures the essence of this family, the curiosity of a one year old, and the unmistakable beauty that is film.  I wish you could hold and feel this in your hand, it is printed on the most wonderful fiber based paper and has such a lovely tone, which really doesn’t translate into this scanned and uploaded version.  Reflecting on this time in my life, where I started and where I am today, has really been a gift and a wonderful reminder.

“A little reflection will show us that every belief, even the simplest and most fundamental, goes beyond experience when regarded as a guide to our actions.” -William Kingdon Clifford

And now, for a little more on the subject of reflection go visit Amelia Chiew of Edmonton Canada, for her take on this week’s theme. Don’t forget you can follow the links at the end of each post to see what all the lovely photographer’s from around the world are doing for this project.  Enjoy and Happy Monday!