Every Easter Sunday is like stepping into a time machine. As a father, I find myself looking at this day not just through my own eyes but through the camera lens I carry, trying to preserve every fleeting moment. My role as a dad has shifted over the years—from merely participating in Easter traditions to chronicling them, ensuring my family can relive these memories for years to come.
Capturing life's little moments on Easter Sunday has become a cherished tradition for me. The joy, the laughter, the mess of chocolate-covered fingers—it’s all part of the story. Today, let me give you a glimpse of Easter Sunday as seen through my lens.
The Morning Chaos
- Excited whispers and pitter-pattering footsteps.
Easter mornings in our house start early, often with the sound of small feet creeping through the hallway. My kids, too excited to stay in bed, try not to wake us—but fail spectacularly. I always pretend to be asleep for a few extra minutes,just to hear the giggles as they plot their next move.
- The thrill of the Easter egg hunt.
One of my favorite moments to capture is their faces during the hunt. There’s this magical mix of determination, joy, and competitive spirit that’s so uniquely “Easter.” I position myself just out of sight with my camera, ready to snap that perfect shot of my youngest holding up an egg like they’ve discovered gold.
- The kitchen hustle.
Meanwhile, my wife is in the kitchen, orchestrating breakfast like a symphony conductor. Pancakes, bacon, and fruit—everything looks like it came out of a food magazine. I make sure to grab a few candid shots of her mid-laugh or flipping pancakes, apron slightly askew. It’s these small, unpolished moments that matter most to me.
Dressing Up (Sort Of)
- The art of compromise.
Getting the kids into their Easter outfits is a battle I’ve learned to pick carefully. My daughter loves dressing up, but my son? Not so much. I’ve documented countless eye rolls and reluctant ties being looped around collars.
- Finding personality in the struggle.
One photo from last year stands out: my son, halfway into his button-up shirt, with an exasperated look on his face whilemy daughter mimics a runway model in her floral dress. That single frame tells the story of Easter morning better than words ever could.
The Family Gathering
- Grandparents and their stories.
By mid-morning, the house fills with family. My parents, retired and full of stories, usually sit on the couch with their cups of coffee, reminiscing about past Easters. I love capturing the connection between generations—my kids sitting cross-legged at their feet, listening intently as their grandparents recount tales from the “good old days.”
- The unfiltered moments.
A family gathering is a goldmine for candid shots. My brother sneaking an extra cinnamon roll, my niece trying to“borrow” my daughter's stuffed bunny—it’s these unguarded moments that make the best memories.
The Egg Dyeing Extravaganza
- Chaos meets creativity.
If there’s one thing that guarantees a mess, it’s dyeing Easter eggs. My camera and I have a front-row seat to the chaos. Brightly colored dyes spill, tiny fingers get stained, and someone inevitably drops an egg, causing a ripple of laughter.
- The kids' pride.
The best photos come when the kids proudly hold up their finished eggs. Each one, no matter how lopsided or smudged, is a masterpiece in their eyes.
The Easter Feast
- A table full of love.
The Easter feast is a labor of love. Between bites of ham and scalloped potatoes, there’s laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional debate about who found the most Easter eggs. I always capture the table scene before anyone digs in—there’ssomething about a beautifully set table that feels like a symbol of togetherness.
- The kids sneaking dessert.
Even as I’m snapping photos, I catch them sneaking chocolates from the dessert table. It’s a recurring theme every year,and one I wouldn’t trade for anything.
The Golden Hour
- Chasing the light.
As the day winds down, the golden hour arrives. This is my favorite time to take family portraits. The soft, warm light creates a glow that makes everyone look like they stepped out of a painting.
- Capturing tradition.
We always take a group photo on the front porch, a tradition that started when my wife and I were newlyweds. Over the years, the photo has grown to include kids, in-laws, and even the family dog.
Reflections Through the Lens
As I scroll through the photos later that evening, I’m reminded why I do this. It’s not just about documenting the day; it’sabout preserving the love, joy, and chaos that make our family unique. Each photo is a time capsule, a way to revisit these moments long after they've passed.
Through my lens, Easter Sunday isn’t just a holiday—it’s a story, one that unfolds differently every year but always leaves me with a full heart. And to me, that’s what being a dad is all about: capturing the fleeting beauty of everyday life and holding onto it forever.
