I am that mom. I'm the one watching my kids through a camera lens. I know other parents just don't get what I do. So let me explain.
I can count on two hands how many pictures I have of me at a sporting event during my high school career (this includes professional pictures for buttons, etc.). As far as I know, none exist from college. Maybe a team shot, I don't know. I don't have it.
I don't feel badly about this. It was a different time and I was the baby, so my parents were tired. And my mom had an old point and shoot that to this day is notoriously out of battery.
But I cherish the few pictures I have, taken by other parents. And before I had a "good" camera, I SO appreciated when a parent who did would capture my kids doing something amazing.
So now, I am that mom. Yes, I watch thru the lens my kids grow up. But watching thru the lens makes me pay extra special attention. I can see the ball. I know whether it was a strike or a ball. I know if someone was fouled on that shot. Or when the solo happened.
I don't feel I take it to the extreme. I take what I can and if it's good, it's good. I don't spend every minute behind the lens. Or set up tripods hours in advance. ;) And I don't discriminate. I take pictures of all the kids on the team because you never know when the homerun or the touchdown will happen. And who doesn't want that picture?
And if you were to ask me today what to invest the most money on when you get married= the photographer. Because after the day is over, your memories and those pictures is what you will have left.
And I am so glad to have the collection of memories of my kids and their friends from all their activities.
I tell them. Yes, I am that mom. But some day we'll both appreciate it. :)