Street Photography, People
May 24, 2012

A Mother's Burden

http://www.jamesmaherphotography.com/images/0000/3885/mother.jpg

1/250th at F2.8, ISO 3200 (28mm).

Any mothers out there feel like this? Any mothers not feel like this?

I found this to be a poignant moment, portraying the the burden on mothers in general.  I found it interesting to see how the father and daughter were having such a great time playing together while the mother seemed to be doing all of the heavy lifting.  You can even see it on her face.

For the fellow street photographers out there this image is a good representation of how you have to handle yourself to capture some moments.  It wasn't just a lucky snap like a few of them are.  I came across this family at the top of the stairs and halfway down the corridor, but instead of just taking a quick shot and moving on I decided to jog ahead of them and down the stairs to get into the right position.  This way it was easier to get ready and pretend I was just waiting around so that they wouldn't notice me taking the candid shot. 

Also, I figured that taking the shot after they carried the stroller down the stairs might be a good idea - and you can see that shown in the mother's face, which is really what ties the entire image together.

 


*If you like the photos in this post please help me spread the word by sharing. Thanks.



9 Comments for "A Mother's Burden"
Helen Petras says:
May 24, 2012 14:50
Poignant isn't the word for it. The bags must be filled with feathers. How did they get it all down? Well done, James. Lots of quick thinking on your part. Did you feel like "kicking" the husband/father in his you know what?
Lucy says:
May 25, 2012 06:17
Ah that's brilliant, the dad and child blissfully unaware while the mum drags along behind - great capture! I don't get a look in with Tobes when dad's about :0/
James Maher says:
May 25, 2012 09:51
Thanks Helen, Lucy. Lucy that's really funny, seems to be the way things go :)
Steve says:
May 25, 2012 13:35
Ah, street photography- capturing a moment in time. Seems more like a Rorschach Test for those commenting and filling in their own back story. There used to be, and maybe still is, an ongoing item appearing in TNYTs Sunday Magazine section in which the people in old photos and the photographer have the opportunity to comment on what was actually happening in the photo, which is published along with their comments. Interesting.
Lucy says:
May 25, 2012 17:37
Oh definitely! :0) I am officially the bag holder and photo taker on days out so the boys can just concentrate on having fun!
James Maher says:
May 30, 2012 21:30
Yeah it's really interesting how this type of photo can be interpreted in so many different ways Steve. Lucy didn't know you had more than one boy, yikes!
Karen says:
June 01, 2012 06:32
For some of us, also the wife's burden, daughter's burden etc. But you chose the best. As a photographer and mother of 4, I sometimes believe that me hauling around babies and photo equipment is making for some great shots for someone else. Also noted to say is my guess is that daddy and child are so happy because all of the stuff they were told "you can bring it if you carry it" ended up exactlt where it always does.
Yoni says:
June 03, 2012 14:07
Looks like abusive machismo to me. Women put up with this crap too much. The mom is like a slave, raising the kids, carrying the burden, and when dad comes around, he just wants to have fun.
Carolyn says:
June 16, 2012 12:47
I see this so often in restaurants - mom is busy settling kids while dad cluelessly eats his food. Not only a great shot, but your insight is truly thoughtful and sensitive.