Mark Potter Photography

How can one begin to even put into words the power of a mother’s love?  As Mother’s Day arrives, I find myself thinking back to how my mum influenced my life as a child, and still continues to today.  Then it hit me, STILL continues to today.  Although I am sure it can be argued that a mother has the most influence (or power to influence) when a child is younger, mother’s continue to guide, teach, and love even into our adulthood.  I feel extremely blessed that I have a mother that has this sort of impact on my life, even today.

Living permanently in the US now, makes Mother’s Day a little tough.  Apart from feeling grateful and remembering fond moments of growing up, it’s times like these that I wish I could jump in the car and go and see my mum.  We’ll be ‘Face-Timing’ (because my mum’s cool like that), but nothing beats a face to face visit. Still, this never detracts from our relationship and we just have to be a little more creative in finding ways to keep connected.  When we do get to spend time together, it’s quality time, because we know there’s an inevitable ‘good bye’ lurking somewhere around the corner.  Mum’s visits are always special because we end up traveling and taking adventures in all sorts of places, creating more memories to cherish.

I really can’t fully describe what my mum means to me.  In trying, I fear I’ll do a lousy job. For everything she has done for me, I am thankful. For the man that I am today, I am indebted to her.

Happy Mother’s Day, mum.  I love you and can’t wait for the next adventure! xxx

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Dear Boagsy,

When we first met you at ‘Music in the Park’, it literally was love at first sight. Even though your mommy didn’t know it yet, I knew you were going to be ours. That next day, I loved picking you up and bringing you back to your new home.  It scared me that you had heart worm, but it didn’t matter. We knew you hadn’t been taken care of very well, and this made us want you even more. We were determined to give you a great home and do whatever it took to get you healthy. In such a short time, you found your way into our hearts and had us wrapped around your little paw. You’ve been such a good boy over the past 10 months. You’ve taken your medicine, and learned so many new tricks. Fetch (and morning snuggle time) has become your obsession and we understand that you find it hard to sit still when there are squirrels and balls to chase. The other day at the vet clinic, you heard them say that the medicine isn’t working, and you still smiled, like you do every day, no matter what. BUT, you also heard them talk about a treatment that will get you 100% healthy, in just a couple of short months, and that made you smile even harder. It’ll be hard to have such strong medicine, and even harder to rest in your crate for two months, but it’ll be worth it. Boagsy, my promise to you is that we will get you better, and be there every step of the way for you, no matter what it takes.

Because, Boagsy, we couldn’t imagine life without you… Soon, there’ll be no stopping you buddy. Those squirrels better be ready!

With love,

Dad.

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During Anna + Davis’ engagement shoot on Saturday, Allison took this photo of me scrambling up onto a rickety desk (and almost falling off).  When I was looking at the images, I kind of skimmed past this shot, not really paying much attention.  But, then I went back and took a closer look, and not just as an attempt to figure out what my pinky finger does when I shoot (yes, I admit, it’s kinda weird, sort of like a bull horn that we would make as kids, while chasing others around – wait that wasn’t only me, was it?).

But, more than that, this photo got me reflecting about the thrill I experience when shooting and interacting with clients in ways that create authentic moments, and ultimately shots that are memorable and worthy of the relationship that I have been entrusted to capture and document.

That thrill is like no other, and it seriously puts me on cloud nine for days after. To spend time with a couple in love, during such an important and happy time in their lives, is truly an experience that is very difficult to put into words – at least in a way that does it justice.  What I can easily express and appreciate, is how lucky I am to be able to do something that I love so much.

Bring on the beginning of wedding season – I can’t wait!

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