The winning image from #lifewellcaptured, 'the details'.

'The Barber' by @jolizie

When I set the theme for #lifewellcaptured in June as 'the details' I had a mental image of close-ups and macros and I loved all of those little pieces of life that flashed up in my instagram feed. It wasn't until I saw this photo by @jolizie though, that I realised that capturing the details of someones life can be so much more.

This is the caption that was posted with this image: 

'My dad has owned a farm in WI for 50 some years, and today was likely my last visit to it as he's sold the property. We took one last drive around the back woods, walked the hidden path down to the Apple river, and stopped by the Star Prairie barber for one last hair cut there. I thought I was being strong, but as I looked back at the pictures from today I broke down. So many memories there. I feel like I've come to the end of a book that I don't want to end. ."

When I looked back at the image, and saw the look on her Dad's face, and thought about the story it told, I realised that capturing the details of a life didn't have to be done close-up.  When I tried to explain the photo to my husband, I got all choked up with tears, and that was when I knew I had found a strong contender for the winning image this month.  I love that in a time of immense change for both herself and her Dad, Jo has managed to take the time to capture details of his present life. 

I am so motivated by images of everyday life that have meaning to the photographer as well as the subject. Keep your camera with you, and those moments will present themselves. Keep your camera with you, and the practice will improve your skills to a point where your memories are preserved in a way that does them justice.  This is the reason I design camera bags, and the motivation behind the #lifewellcaptured tag which encourages you to go out there and capture your life in your way. You actually win every time you capture one more memory.

Jo's image has won her her choice of Lilah Snow Camera Bag this month, but if you want to play along in July, you can check out the new theme here.

Please also take the time to visit @jolizie on her Instagram page by clicking on the image above - it will take you straight to the image so you can let her know that you loved it too!

It is NOT easy to narrow 1500 images down to 1 - it is really not!

Above are a few of our other favourites, and if you click on them it will take you directly to the original image on Instagram.

@rikki_ is the Queen of details.  If you do not follow her already, then you must check her out!  She is able to capture amazing macros of water droplets on leaves and spiderwebs, and she has an amazing off-the-wall take on the prompts for the Fat Mum Slim Photo-a-day challenge (which you should also check out if you are not already doing it!). I love her mind, her creativity and her macros.
Follow her!

@karenelizabeth_photograhy took that amazing photo of her kids out catching fireflies against the sunset glow. To me, a firefly is up there with hummingbirds and fairies.  They all have a mystical quality that defies belief, especially to those of us in Australia (although the tooth fairy DOES visit here!) So to capture that silhouette perfectly, with the hand reaching out for that glow, is a perfect childhood fantasy on the screen.

@triciapphotography has an image full of gorgeous details. Of course the roses are lovely, but when you team that with the beautiful hair and stunning lashes of her pretty little girl, you really have a beautiful capture.  The black and white also works so well to focus on those details.

@annaymayer made me laugh with 'Mr Frog,' as her kids so imaginatively named him!  In Southern Queensland, we have cane toads, which are horrible things and not for holding, but this guy in his green glory is very photogenic!  The freezing of that splash of water across him really does makes the shot.

@belldesigned got right behind the theme this month,, and really spent a lot of time taking macro shots of her surroundings.  I love the colour of this seed pod and I love how macro allows you to really slow down and appreciate the details in everyday life that would otherwise pass you by.

@danikamillsphotography caught this stunning light above the head of her daughters heart shaped bun.  Her caption was: 'Sometimes the most ordinary moments are there just to remind us that beauty truly is all around us. I love finding unexpected hearts, I love unexpected light, I love when they find each other 😍❤️ I literally turned around to see her standing there, like a secret message just for me. Love is here.' My heart melted just a little!

So as you can see, the competition is fierce and the decision is hard!

I truly believe though, that everyone who specifically went out to take a photo for this month's competition has won.  Every photo taught you about your camera, about lighting and about your subject. Every image you have saved is a memory now preserved.

​So get out there, and live a life well captured!