I had no idea how much my children would change my life. Of course, I knew things were going to be different but what surprised me is how deeply and profoundly I have been changed. The “old me” is still here. She is just much brighter, stronger and more generous than she ever was before.

Life changing experiences happen to everyone in all different ways, not just having children. Kids were the perfect change for me though. I was always pretty self-sufficient (translation: a little stoic and protected). What my children did for me was to show me how vulnerable I could really be. They forced me out of myself and that vulnerability opened me up in so many other ways. One of the surprising ways was with my photography.

I started taking photographs when I was in the tenth grade. It was love at first click I guess you could say. I never really photographed people though until I turned my lens onto my babies. That little turn of the lens completely changed the path of my life.

Now I photograph babies, families and bellies everyday. I get to witness the change that I experienced over and over again as it happens to the families that I photograph. Not only that, I sing out loud to my kids and have become adept at making all sorts of silly noises. I get teary at lots of little things and I reserve judgment just a little more. My heart is softer all the way around.

The short of it...I see spirit so much more clearly now. I see mine, as well as others, and it has been the greatest gift that I have ever been given.

What have you seen through your lens that has changed your heart? I hope that you will share some images from your heart and of your gifts with us today.

Picture and words courtesy of Guest Blogger / Honorary Sister, Houston based photographer extraordinaire Farrah Braniff.