A Slice of Life Through the Camera Lens

by Suzette Mahoney


I have always been interested in taking photos. I was an avid scrapbooker back in the day. Fast forward to 2008. I found a blog and knew I must immediately jump on board. I love to tell a story. I believe an essential element to storytelling is the use of photos. It keeps your reader interested and gives them a glimpse into your world. 

Have you ever taken a walk through your neighborhood in the early evening and you see lamps on in a home and you think, “I wonder what that family is doing?” Well today, through blogging we get a peek, don’t we?

I do have a disclaimer...I am not nor will I ever be a professional photographer. I just snap the photos and hope for the best. I like to use my fancier, albeit non-professional camera, but I am certainly not above a cell phone photo. Whatever enhances the post and makes it come alive for the reader.

Here are a few of my tried and true tips. I always look for natural light. I am not a fan of flash photography.

I regularly have my photo set on the “P” or “Program” setting. This was simply trial and error and I would say some of my best shots have been when I set it to “P.”

Don’t be afraid to capture the action even if lighting isn’t the best case scenario and you have no idea what setting your camera is on. The secret is to capture what is happening. 

Don’t be afraid to get to close. I find some of my favorite shots are when I have gotten my camera as close as possible.

Don’t be afraid to back up. Sometimes you need all the details to really help tell the story. 


Take photos of yourself, even if you have to use a mirror or the self-timer. Having photos of yourself will be a treasure to your children and it really helps to establish a relationship with your readers.

Take a lot of photos. I mean A LOT! Then, delete most of them. Use your favorite ones to enhance your story. Don’t forget those “slice of life” photos. This will make your reader feel like they are peeking into your world and sharing your life. And really, that is exactly what you are doing. It is a wonderful excuse to take lots of photos and document all of those ordinary moments that really add up to the best moments of our life!

See more of my slice of life at The Frat Pack + Me. 
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Suzette Mahoney is a former teacher turned Mom of two teen boys. She began blogging in 2008 to keep track of the antics of her boys and to keep her family informed of their shenanigans. She is originally from Florida, but now resides in North Carolina by way of Texas. She is committed to her faith, family, photography and the consumption of cupcakes.