My friend, Heather, recently suggest to take my camera with me everyday. She has completed a daily project for several years now with her kids. This year she challenged her self to a joy project instead of the normal 365. When she sees something that makes her feel joy, she snaps a shot. I decided to give it a try.

To make it a little trickier for my OCD-self I decided to let go of all the rules — perfect light, clear focus and sharp photos. With my go-to approaches out the window, I have to dig deeper every second I hold my camera. I wanted to tell a story no matter what it ended up looking like to others. So whether it’s too light, too dark or too out of focus — it doesn’t matter because THIS is how I feel joy.

I started on the 27th of January (3 days of January) but I’m already so obsessed with this project of recognizing joy in everyday life.

I feel joy seeing my daughter’s personality develop. I call her crazy because she kinda is. But in the best way. She does whatever she wants, whenever she wants and doesn’t care what people think. She’s fast, and she’s sneaky, but most of all SASSY.

I feel joy in focusing on my Savior during the busy moments of everyday life. I don’t focus enough on His love, example and teachings every single day but when I do, I feel full. 

I feel joy in watching my husband be a father and an uncle. He loves these kids with his full heart and teaches me so much about love and patience.

I feel joy in watching my sister be a mother.

I feel joy in watching my children wrap themselves around daddy’s finger. Literally and not literally. They are soo spoiled by him, but secretly I love it.

I feel joy when my children snuggle up to me, especially when I’m just laying on the floor or sitting on the couch.

I feel joy when nap time comes around…hahaha.

I feel joy in learning new things. Lately its been how to do Piper’s extremely long beautiful hair. We’ve tried so many new things and I love the results. 

I feel joy in watching Piper love babies. And hope that one day it will be the same for her future baby sibling.

I feel joy in watching my nieces and nephews learn new things.

I feel joy in listening to my children use their imagination, especially with each other.

I feel joy in seeing Brody learn new things and build his confidence all on his own. And I feel joy in watching Piper explore the world freely, and fast-ly ;)

Kylee Maughan

Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of. 

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee