When I first met this little munchin’s mom, she mentioned that her father was a paramedic here in the Salt Lake Valley and that he had passed away in the last couple years.  She wondered if we could incorporated her father’s helmet and hurry-ups into a shot with her new little boy. “Of course!” I said….I understood the significance, as my father was also a firefighter, who passed away over 22 years ago.  I’m so glad the shot worked out….it wasn’t easy putting him in that helmet, or having it balance! 

Just over a year ago, I had the opportunity to meet total strangers that had a HUGE impact on my life.  Their friends, the Steadman Family, hired me to do family photos.  I was honored to be able to give them this gift.  Here are my thoughts (from my personal blog) from a year ago:

My dear, dear friend Julie hired me to go and take pictures last week of her friends, the Brown family.  I had never met them prior to this, but I instantly knew I liked them when I arrived at their home.  They were funny, and very down to earth.  Here is a link to their story. 

Here is a link to the pictures I did for them (the condensed version):

www.jessistringham.com/familiesareforever

I know they would appreciate any comments of encouragement during this time on their blog.  I am sure they enjoy receiving them and reading them, even if you don’t know them.  Here is the link that contains the full version of pictures and a spot where you could leave a comment of encouragement for them.

This was a very emotional photoshoot for me, naturally.  I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to do a good job and create a lasting memory.  As I lost my own father at a very young age, I really wanted to document their relationship together.

I decided that it would be nice to do both some shots in their backyard, which was perfect for this, as well as some against a backdrop.    Bryce gave me one of his bracelets and couldn’t stop thanking me for coming and taking pictures.  I could relate to Tammy so very much, and admired her strength.  She gave me a big hug as I left and I was very overcome by her appreciation.  She snuck some chocolate truffles into my car and I found them when I got home.  Anyone that gives me truffles is a friend for life.    Bryce lasted longer than most of my dads do on regular photoshoots, and he didn’t complain once.  He wanted a lot of kissing photos because as he put it, “it’ll be very important to Dani in the future.”  I couldn’t agree more.  

I was a blubbery mess and couldn’t stop crying all day last Saturday as I edited these pictures to get them online for them.  I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet them.

Unfortunately, Bryce lost his battle with cancer a few weeks later.  Now, a year later, I’m still touched by the gift this family gave me.  I think because they were close to my age (early 30’s), it hit me even harder, being able to relate so easily to their situation.  Both my husband and I went and had a 100% body scan done by a dermatologist.  In fact, I had a pre-cancerous mole that I would have NEVER guessed was pre-cancerous.  I’ve always been a big fan of sunscreen, but even moreso now.  For my trip to Florida, I didn’t go to the tanning beds……instead, I had a horrible experience having a spa apply self-tanning lotion (which is a great story in itself!).  I make sure to share their story with everyone I know, in hopes that we would all become a little better educated on this terrible disease.  I encourage you to go read their story.  It will touch you.

I love her name!  She was a TINY peanut with red hair when she came to visit me a few weeks back……I think 5lbs 14 oz or so……just so tiny!  Both of my kids were over 8 lbs, so I can’t imagine a 5 lb baby….and she was most smiley newborn ever.  She was definitely camera ready!    Mom is a librarian, and you may remember the shot while little Nora was still inside, but we had to get another shot of Mom reading to Nora on the outside.  Her parents also brought one of their favorite red blankets to the newborn shoot too (I love when people bring stuff that means something to them!).

what a fun couple!  you could totally tell that they truly loved one another!  their baby girl was born yesterday, so I am very excited to meet baby Nora and photograph her next week!

You would never have guessed that she came in at what I refer to as “the witching hour” – usually newborns from about 5-8pm are not very happy, but we still managed to get all of those priceless newborn shots!

Do you think she is trying to tell me something? 

Finally, some awake shots:

First, thank you for all the feedback and comments. I would invite you in the future to leave comments….it really means the world to me. People have told me that they are nervous to leave comments, but don’t be! I love reading them! Second, my husband is such a dork – read comment #21 on this post! Rest assured, he was not entered into the drawing! LOL!!! Jaden (my five year old) was so excited to draw someone’s name out of the bowl…….and the winner is:  Melissa – this was her comment:

1. Melissa wrote: THey will totally cherish that pic when they are older. How cute is their Great-Grandpa!!! (08/19/08, 4:37 pm)
   

Keep checking back! I will be posting more regularly, and for anyone that knows me, I’ll be having a lot more giveaways.

This little newborn girl was as sweet as ever! I tried to convince her parents to consider just one more child because she is so breathtaking and gorgeous. However, I don’t think Carrie or Raymond are going to listen to me.

Remember, you only have a couple days left until I draw from any comments left this week for an iTunes gift card!

it should be a crime to look this good only a couple weeks from delivering your fourth child! amy was up for anything I asked her to do, and a delight to work with.

oh my…..these two little boys came all the way from Maryland, and I had the opportunity to capture their spunk.  They were sure fun boys!  A glimpse into what lies ahead with my two boys.  We even got a picture with their great-grandpa!  I love those type of pictures, and in about 30 years, I’m sure they’ll appreciate them as well. 

I apologize for the posting hiatus! Getting ready to go on vacation, going on vacation, and coming back have kept me incredibly busy. I’m almost caught up, but as far as showcasing sessions, I’m very behind! I’ve been as busy as I am in the fall season during these last three months. I will get back on track to posting here, I will get back on track to posting here, I will get back on track to posting here….so, I want to see how many people are still out there following this blog. Leave a comment here from now and until next Saturday, August 23, 2008, and those comments will be entered into a drawing for a iTunes gift card!