This Photo

Words & Photography
by Anna Gushtyuk



Jumped in front of the camera for this one, which does not happen often enough. But she made me a mama, and it's these moments together that I will treasure the most.

Decades from now when she is all grown up, I want her to see this photo not just as a photo of us but to realise that everything about this photo IS us. She is my little pixie girl, I am her Mama. We love so deeply and are bonded forever as mother and daughter. This is us in our element; in nature, the outdoors. This is her Mama, always with camera bag strapped to her and with hands free; outstretched and ready to comfort and love at any moment.

That no matter where she is and no matter how little she remembers; no matter how much has changed between us, she looks at this and sees the essence of who we once were and feels the depth of it all.

I pray that THAT is what she sees when she looks at this, all grown up and wherever life takes her. That no matter where she is and no matter how little she remembers; no matter how much has changed between us, she looks at this and sees the essence of who we once were and feels the depth of it all.