The Photos I Never Planned to Take

Some of my favorite photos weren’t taken on purpose - they were caught in the middle of life happening faster than my lens could keep up. Funny how the best stories sneak up on you when you’re not even looking.

She stood quiet on the hill — forgotten by time, remembered by me

One photo in particular comes to mind - an old building, maybe a church, a school, or something else entirely. I’m still not sure, but I felt like it held stories. My aunt was on hospice at the time and I was making the hour-and-a-half drive back and forth on random weekends to spend time with her. I had recently moved and was taking a new route. The first time I drove it, this beautiful old building caught my eye. All I could think was, boy, I wish I had my camera with me.

The next weekend, I made the same drive. I passed the building again, and once more I thought, Autumn, bring your camera!

But life was heavy then - with long weekend drives and grief creeping in - and honestly, my camera was the last thing on my mind when I climbed into my car.

Then, one weekend, as I was heading out the door, I grabbed my bag. I told myself, this time I’m stopping.

And I did.

Because even when life is happening so fast you can barely catch your breath, sometimes you have to stop for the small things - the things that bring peace, or joy, or even just a little comfort to carry you through.

Maybe I stopped for the photo, or maybe I stopped because something in that place was holding still just long enough for me to breathe.