This is so helpful! If I can add a question: I have long considered myself a writer, meaning that I enjoy writing, write well, and write frequently. However, I've been perennially uncertain what to DO with my writing. It doesn't always seem cohesive to me, or worth putting in the public sphere. I know I have a gifting; I have no idea what to do with it. And as I am writing this, I am realizing I need to be praying to the Lord about what he wants me to do! But do you have any other thoughts (acknowledging that you don't know me personally!)?
This was super helpful! Thanks 😊 I don't really have a writing question but I am a photographer like you, and when I start writing here on substack, I'd love to include my photography but not sure how to safely share photos of my kids. How do you navigate that?
I'm glad this post was helpful! And as for safely sharing photos of your kids, I love that you asked this question because it shows your want to be intentional and safe.
I'm no expert but the more I'm on the internet and further my education of it, the less I feel comfortable putting my kids on it. I do share them here and there but it's drastically reduced from what I used to do. I know some photographers who only share pictures of their kids from behind or blur out their faces so they can protect their privacy.
I also know that anytime an image is uploaded to the internet, we ultimately have no control over who will see it and what they will do with it (yes, even if our online accounts are "private"). Knowing this informs the type of pictures/videos I use publicly. No pictures/videos of them without clothes on, no 'just in their diaper' pictures, no pictures in the bathtub or bed, etc. I might take those videos/pictures for our family but they're not for public consumption.
Ultimately, I'd encourage you to do a mini-deep dive into internet safety when sharing content that includes your kids so you can be confident about how you need to navigate this personally.
And again, it shows your heart to protect your kids that you're starting with this question! ❤️
Thanks Breanne! That really does help! It's hard to navigate in this world because I want to show my art, which often involves capturing their childhood, but it's more important that I protect my daughters.
I had a private blog for a long time where I had to approve all readers individually and I've had my Instagram private ever since having kids but substack doesn't have that kind of privacy, does it?
I will keep researching and praying and thinking about it but I guess its always best to err on the side of caution too!
I read immediately and loved this. All great advice -- and I’ve implemented similar practices. I homeschool, so I tell the kids I need to “finish this sentence” or “I’m writing; give me one second.” I also had my 10yo start an “idea notebook” because he has a new idea every thirty seconds or so, and wants to tell anyone within ear shot that idea (he may’ve gotten this from his mother, but who knows for sure). I suggested he start writing all of his story ideas and business ideas down and letting me look at his idea notebook once a day (if he wants me to look at it -- which he does) to discuss all of his ideas. I, too, am a morning writer but I’ve never thought to schedule a morning writing session. I just end up doing it and it often derails the first part of my day. I love the idea of being intentional about it and making the family aware of it.
Thanks for reading, Heather! I love that idea for your son and I'm sure it will be a life skill he'll use as an adult as well. And yes (if you're in a season to do so) having a scheduled writing session that's communicated with the others in your household sets everyone's expectations up for success. Plus, it's an opportunity for our kids to practice respecting and celebrating other people's interests as well as their own. ❤️
This is so helpful! If I can add a question: I have long considered myself a writer, meaning that I enjoy writing, write well, and write frequently. However, I've been perennially uncertain what to DO with my writing. It doesn't always seem cohesive to me, or worth putting in the public sphere. I know I have a gifting; I have no idea what to do with it. And as I am writing this, I am realizing I need to be praying to the Lord about what he wants me to do! But do you have any other thoughts (acknowledging that you don't know me personally!)?
This was super helpful! Thanks 😊 I don't really have a writing question but I am a photographer like you, and when I start writing here on substack, I'd love to include my photography but not sure how to safely share photos of my kids. How do you navigate that?
I'm glad this post was helpful! And as for safely sharing photos of your kids, I love that you asked this question because it shows your want to be intentional and safe.
I'm no expert but the more I'm on the internet and further my education of it, the less I feel comfortable putting my kids on it. I do share them here and there but it's drastically reduced from what I used to do. I know some photographers who only share pictures of their kids from behind or blur out their faces so they can protect their privacy.
I also know that anytime an image is uploaded to the internet, we ultimately have no control over who will see it and what they will do with it (yes, even if our online accounts are "private"). Knowing this informs the type of pictures/videos I use publicly. No pictures/videos of them without clothes on, no 'just in their diaper' pictures, no pictures in the bathtub or bed, etc. I might take those videos/pictures for our family but they're not for public consumption.
Ultimately, I'd encourage you to do a mini-deep dive into internet safety when sharing content that includes your kids so you can be confident about how you need to navigate this personally.
And again, it shows your heart to protect your kids that you're starting with this question! ❤️
Thanks Breanne! That really does help! It's hard to navigate in this world because I want to show my art, which often involves capturing their childhood, but it's more important that I protect my daughters.
I had a private blog for a long time where I had to approve all readers individually and I've had my Instagram private ever since having kids but substack doesn't have that kind of privacy, does it?
I will keep researching and praying and thinking about it but I guess its always best to err on the side of caution too!
Thanks for your reply 💛
So much great advice. Thank you for sharing!
I hope it was helpful, Leanna! Thanks for reading. ❤️
I read immediately and loved this. All great advice -- and I’ve implemented similar practices. I homeschool, so I tell the kids I need to “finish this sentence” or “I’m writing; give me one second.” I also had my 10yo start an “idea notebook” because he has a new idea every thirty seconds or so, and wants to tell anyone within ear shot that idea (he may’ve gotten this from his mother, but who knows for sure). I suggested he start writing all of his story ideas and business ideas down and letting me look at his idea notebook once a day (if he wants me to look at it -- which he does) to discuss all of his ideas. I, too, am a morning writer but I’ve never thought to schedule a morning writing session. I just end up doing it and it often derails the first part of my day. I love the idea of being intentional about it and making the family aware of it.
Thanks for reading, Heather! I love that idea for your son and I'm sure it will be a life skill he'll use as an adult as well. And yes (if you're in a season to do so) having a scheduled writing session that's communicated with the others in your household sets everyone's expectations up for success. Plus, it's an opportunity for our kids to practice respecting and celebrating other people's interests as well as their own. ❤️