December Photo of the Day

It would’ve been so easy for me to write this project off. When life imploded in February, I thought about not continuing, but I decided to push forward. The last time I did this project, ten years ago, was the year I met and married Steven. Who knew that when I started this project for the second time it’d be the year it all fell apart?

But, when I look back now. I’m SO glad I did this, because otherwise, I’m not sure I would’ve actually picked up my camera for most of 2020. Despite the really sad and hard stuff, there were a million little amazing moments. This year was a monumental year for a lot of reasons, but one of the positive ones is that Lily became a big sister to the sweetest little boy 🙂

It wasn’t perfect. I only photographed 337 out of 365 days, but I’m still pretty proud of it! Here’s the final installment of my 2020 Photo of the Day project!

I helped my sister take photos for her Christmas card, and Lily wanted to join in 🙂 She’s so stinking cute!

This year I bought personalized stockings for Lily and James, and I love them 🙂

This felt like a huge win for me – I rearranged this corner of my living room a bit and it’s SO much better! I wish I had taken a “before” photo.

Lily specifically requested I take this photo of the two of them while I was making dinner. Please notice that she was sharing her beloved Minnie Mouse with James 🙂

As a mom, we are usually the ones taking the photos, so we aren’t in many. I’m really trying to break that mold, especially now that it’s just me. Took some self portraits with this sweet boy!

These Mickey Mouse overalls just freaking melted my heart. Of course, he’s already outgrown them.

Trying a new recipe – oatmeal banana cookies! She did it basically all on her own!

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do a photo like this. Literally since I first picked up a DSLR. So, I finally did it. Lily and I had some special “mommy/Lily project time” while James was napping and set this all up and took photos. Lily actually took this photo! She accidentally changed the composition when she took it, but I really really love how it turned out!

We got our tree today from the local greenhouse 🙂 Lily decorated it almost entirely on her own while James screamed from his bouncy seat.

Lily loves to learn, and she’ll independently pull out these workbooks we have and work through them. I love her little heart, and she’s sooo smart!

My sister got me these rings back in May, but one was blank because we didn’t know if I was having a boy or girl. It took me a little while, but I sent out the ring at the end of November and got it back! Now the set is complete!

Playing around with lighting and self portraits while James was sleeping and Lily was with her nana and papa! I ended up really loving how they came out, when initially I was frustrated that they weren’t what I was expecting them to be…. though I didn’t have a super clear vision of what I wanted them to be either, so there’s that.

Had a wonderful evening with my best friend, and we chatted about life and ambition while I sat on the floor and wrapped all the presents.

We haven’t used these in a while, but Lily pulled them out and we spent a significant amount of time playing with them!

Lily asked to hold James. And then she asked me to take their photo. I just can’t even.

Celebrated Christmas a bit early with my mom, dad and sister!

His official two months photo session 🙂

Lily got another Little Passports package, and this one was all about art. She couldn’t wait to start painting her little canvas!

Christmas Eve service at church! So special to have spent it with people I love.

Christmas Day! So thankful my sister spent it with us <3

I got Lily this new game called “Outfoxed” and it’s SO much fun!! WE love playing it!

Christmas at Nana and Papa’s house! Lily got her first dress up costume!

She’s one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram, and I’m so excited to read her book. So much of what she shared in 2020 was incredibly profound for me.

I just love her. So damn much.

This was the first New Year’s Eve that I can ever remember spending alone. It was weird. And hard. And not hard. And just full of a *lot* of feelings. I wasn’t planning on staying up until midnight, but did on accident because I was creating a video from the year, and I was nursing James pretty late. 2020 was the hardest year of my life so far. I’m beyond grateful to still be standing.

Thank you so much for following along on this photo project of mine! I can’t wait to get it printed into an album!

Linda is a Portland-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies from Portland to Boston and across New England. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com.

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You can usually find me adding books to my never-ending “to read” list; challenging myself to do things like not shop for a year; sneaking crispy m+ms from my secret hiding spot so I don’t have to share them with my daughter; and melting over seeing my children smiling at each other.

Oh and I guess I should mention - I’m a seasoned Portland wedding photographer who provides not only kick-ass wedding photos, but also a meaningful and laid-back experience from the time you book to the delivery of your final images. 

I share all things personal, business, tips, and life as a mom and business owner here on the blog!

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