Today I am working on Erin and Jim’s Engagement book and as I look at these images it brings me back to when we shot this session. To say that I love the connection that Erin and Jim have would be an understatement. I love to observe interactions and the little nuances about my clients. I feel like it gives me perspective and helps when it’s time to document important moments in their lives. What stands out in my mind about Erin is how no matter what expression is on her face as soon as Jim gets near her or snuggles her in she immediately smiles. Not the kind of smile that you give to the camera at all. This smile starts slowly and spreads across her face as it seems like a hidden little thought or secret has just crossed her mind. It’s so adorable the way they make each other laugh and equally romantic in the tenderness of a quiet moment. I shot long today, meaning that most of these images were made with my 70-200mm lens. I wanted to be a good distance away because I knew that they were gonna just have some fun and I would play the role of lurker as I steal a few of these moments. A beautiful afternoon spent with a couple who I sincerely look forward to spending the day with again very soon!
I was beyond flattered when my friend and fellow photographer Krista Valla asked to me help her create a photo shoot for the sole purpose of freeing herself from the pain and memories of her tragic accident. A personal struggle that she has come to terms with and is recently facing the demons of a day where twisted metal and concrete claimed her memory and a piece of her was lost. I can’t begin to imagine what it must feel like to have holes in your mind when conjuring up the simplest of recollections. To think that something so much as how to utilize the basic tools of your trade to the most secret or powerful thoughts that lay deep in our subconscious only to be drawn forward when a sight or smell or some form of recognition triggers it. I’m sure I could relearn what it feels like to smile when I feel a soft and warm salty sea breeze wafting through the air but relearning and remembering are two different things entirely.
I commend Krista’s strength and perseverance to get through that time and applaud her for being a fighter and pretty much laughing in the face of those demons. Sometimes we need to confront the issues that haunt us the most and in that confrontation a sliver of solace can be found. She tells me that she has begun to remember some things, like holding a camera and seeing beauty through the lens again. While other memories still remain out of reach. Time, it heals and in time I hope that you Krista, can be made whole.
So, we trudge on a rainy day to a salvage yard…. Here we stare twisted metal in it’s face and we spit in it. I hope that these images bring you some closure….
Thank you to Bethany from Gloss Salon for providing the Hair styling- you’re vision was spot on!!! The ever so talented Kristen Lober provided Make-up.
I was trying to clean up some of the files on my desktop and organize them onto external drives when I came across a folder that had some copy print work from years ago. In that folder was one of the first images I have of me with my mom. Although my hair looks very similar now to what it did in this image there is obviously a world of difference. Decades have passed by and I’m now a woman with a daughter of my own so I can relate to the struggles as well as triumphs that my mother must have felt. Several emotions wash over me as I look intently and recall slices of time spent growing up. I admire my mother for the woman she was and for the woman that she is today. She possesses the type of strength and resolve to withstand anything that in her lifetime she has endured. She is well loved by everyone who meets her and taught me to always be the bigger person. She is as feisty as she is introspective. Most of all she is the woman who has shaped me as a mother and in her nurturing ways I have found my own. So Happy Mother’s day to my mom and all of the mama’s out there!!!!
Here I am in Taiwan, Probably thinking up my next to do list =)
Yup, even at an early age I could be found managing my staff from behind a desk.
Yeah, standing by a plant, didn’t we all?
It was the 80’s, don’t judge, Ha ha – we thought we were so cool and dressed cool too!
Me and Kristin paying with the cam
Kristin and Baby
me and my little Lilli girl
17 years, that’s right, 17 years! Together as a couple, before today. Now married and day one begins. Astonishing to me the lifetime of memories that Beth and Joe have already shared before their wedding day. You can see the ease of their interactions and complete comfort that they share in each other. Effortlessly in the way they joke back and forth and how at any given moment Beth can erupt with the most intoxicating of laughs. Her laughter is so genuine and heartfelt that you find yourself smiling and laughing too. So many such moments dotted the landscape of their wedding day. Lori and I were given free reign to plan the photo locations and scout the area and create the time line. I feel like the number of images I’m about to show are an excessive amount on the blog but I can’t help but connect with them. From the moment we arrived till the moment we left it was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this amazing day. So, to all of your loves, I say…. Cherish in that which is bright and keep your pulse on the things that will allow your love to flourish!
Some say that you will never quite get over or forget your first love. Well, for Beth and Joe I am wishing you many years of never having to worry about that!
xoxoxo,
Cindy
No comments