SOMETIMES A PHOTO isn’t perfect. And this one certainly isn’t, at least not technically. The image of my 6-year-old grandson is not sharp. And that’s because I was sitting a beach away, zooming in with my cellphone camera.
My 35 mm Canon was inside the cabin. I knew I would either have to shoot with my phone or miss the moment. I opted to click the white circle on my Android.
Why do I love this photo, despite its technical flaws? I love the moment in time I’ve captured of my young grandson. Isaac was busy digging in the sand at lake’s edge when he paused. I don’t recall the reason he stopped shoveling. And that in itself holds appeal as those who view the image can imagine what Isaac is seeing to his left.
I remember the set up of this scene, though. Randy and I were on lakeside grandparent watch while Isaac’s parents headed into Nisswa for coffee. We were all vacationing together at a family member’s Horseshoe Lake cabin in north central Minnesota. Isaac’s older sister was inside the cabin reading.
The day was cold with a strong wind churning the water. Not a day for swimming or for sunbathing. But, for Isaac, it was still a good day for digging in the sand. He kept venturing closer and closer to the lake, water lapping at his pant legs. I asked Randy to roll up Isaac’s pants.
There’s something about a boy by the water, pants legs rolled up, shovel in hand that speaks to carefree days of summer, to youthfulness and to simple child’s play in the great outdoors. I love seeing kids playing outside, away from video games and electronics. I’m all for handing a child a stick (or a shovel) to encourage creative play.
I love this photo also because it tells a story in a simple and uncomplicated scene of water, sand, shovel and boy. Photography, for me, is often about storytelling.
I like the composition of this photo, too, with Isaac off-center, the sand pile on the right side of the frame. And then the wavy lake seemingly takes on a personality of its own like a threatening intruder. But Isaac didn’t let the moody lake, the cold day or the strong wind deter him from his work.
As with any photo, lighting ranks high. I like the lighting in this image. I like the simplicity of the photo.
Even though not technically perfect, this photo holds what’s most important to me—love. Do you see it?
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
As a mom of a son, and a grandmother of a grandson, I see the love here Audrey. 💞Such a perfect image.
Awwww, thank you, dear Rose.
First of all how can this be Isaac, they grow up so fast don’t they Audrey! I’m just tickled pink that you and Randy are able to have this experience of a cabin to share with your kids and grandkids, another thing that you and I have in common! I do love this photo and all of the things that you have described in it!For the last couple years I have been leaving my Canon inside. Nowadays I depend on my iPhone to capture a memory that works, I have learned to see beyond the fuzzy borders! Thanks for sharing your precious memories.
Yes, we share a lot, my friend. I, too, am not using my Canon as often as I once did, choosing instead to enjoy being in the moment rather than photographing everything. I’m blogging less. And I, too, turn to my cellphone for photos sometimes.
I was struck by the beauty of your photo the minute it popped up on my screen. It’s a portrait and a moment in time.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Ken, for appreciating this image of my grandson.
Yes, the love clearly comes through. Nice shot, and obviously a wonderful boy.
I love that boy! Thank you for seeing the love in my photo.
Audrey, This picture, even though not technically good, deserves a place on your wall! I love it!
Thank you, my friend.
Yes, I see the love captured. My favorite family photos, too, are shots taken of the backs of loved ones in a memorable setting. One is a pic of my husband holding our then 1-yr-old daughter as he walks ahead on a Colorado mountain trail. Another is the back of my husband with both young daughters on either side sitting gazing at the Chicago skyline. No forced smiles or poses, just life being lived.
I like that, “just life being lived.” 🙂
Gee, I see only a wonderful picture! I love everything about it. And Issac’s growing… Glad you had this time together.
You’re right. This is a wonderful picture. And, yes, Isaac is growing.
this photo is to be treasured, you have captured such an incredible moment in time.
Thank you, Beth. I am loving this photo even more after reading all these comment.
it reminds me of a Norman Rockwell picture, except that it was totally candid
That’s a wonderful compliment. Thank you.
unscripted pictures like this one are my favorites. Great job.
Thank you, my friend.
I did see the love, Audrey. I saw the childish abandon as he appeared to live in that moment, be present and aware of whatever captured his attention. It is a photo that generates emotion … the perfect kind!
Thank you for your kind words about my image and about Isaac.