A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY INWARD

by Sean Cayton
Freelance Photographer

 
Some of the most meaningful and most important images of my career as a photojournalist were made this past year.
 
They were images from a story that wouldn’t make it into Time’s photos of the year. It wouldn’t qualify as an entry in any of the Best of...photo competitions. Its important to only a handful of people.
 
But I’m sure the images will remain with me and in my portfolio for a long, long time to come.
 
On April 20, my wife Cathy gave birth to our daughter Abigail Chase Cayton.

Abigail was born at home in our upstairs bedroom at 7:59  p.m. She weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz and arrived with a full head of deep brown hair.

In the company of two midwives and one mother-in-law and with the help of a single maglight, I photographed our daughter's arrival 17 hours after Cathy started her labor.

 Having a baby at home is an incredible experience. An experience I will remember and cherish for a lifetime. And I have the pictures to prove it.

.

After the birth, Cathy enjoyed a brief maternity leave. And when she returned to work, I began my responsibilities as a stay-at-home dad

 
A child means change, not just in lifestyle but in work as well.
 
As the weeks and months have passed the nature of my work has changed. I have turned the camera inward.

We are cherishing every moment of life with our new baby and I’m grateful to be able to document our child and her changes and the joy she brings to both our families.

 
With her arrival and the changing focus of my work, comes contemplation.

 
I ask myself almost daily: Why do I practice photojournalism? What am I trying to accomplish? Who really cares about this other than me?
 
I never answer these questions completely.
 
The birth of my daughter and the photographs that are capturing her first days reassure me.
 
Practicing photojournalism is worthwhile and rewarding even when its important to only a handful of people.

 

Sean Cayton
Sean@caytonphotography.com

http://www.caytonphotography.com

 

 

Contents Page

 
Contents Page Editorials The Platypus Links Copyright
Portfolios Camera Corner War Stories  Dirck's Gallery Comments
Issue Archives Columns Forums Mailing List E-mail Us
 This site is sponsored and powered by Hewlett Packard