A Journey and A Photo Shoot

One evening two years ago I started a blog.  It was an innocent gesture.  A little space created for myself and maybe a few family members and friends who might humor me and check out what I put in my space.  It was fun.  It became a creative outlet and filled something in me that I wasn’t aware was missing. 

Shortly after the blog, I began taking pictures.  At first there were only a few.  Then a few more.  And later. . . hundreds and hundreds during a week. . . or even a day.  As my thoughts and feelings bled onto the pages of Running Chatter and I began to view the world through the camera’s viewfinder, I began to change.  It was as if I was being introduced (or reintroduced?) to the real me. . . or at least a part of me that had been hidden for quite some time.

I can’t even put a name to that hidden part.  All I know is that loading the contents of my cameras memory card onto my computer is nothing short of exhilarating.  Nearly every evening I sit in front of my computer and look at the events of our day and I smile as I re-experience them. . . this time in slow motion. 

Then one day I was asked to take pictures for someone.  Then it happened again.  And again.  And then it happened again. . . and again. . .

I began to wonder. . . could I give to others a piece of that joy I experience each night?  Could I capture their moments like I capture my own?

Here’s the thing. . .my pictures are not technically perfect.  I don’t follow all the rules.  More often than not, I don’t know what I’m doing.  When it comes to photography, I am in a constant state of insecurity.  I fret about every detail and I have a list (literally) of about 200 photography-related items that I need to learn/study/understand/grasp . . . you know, when I have time.

But you want to know something?  Despite all of that. . . I love it. 

Through photography I am learning more and more about passions.  I have understood that having a passion about something doesn’t mean that you completely understand it. . . it just means that you are willing to work as hard as necessary to understand it.  I’ve learned that mistakes are not failure, they are our greatest teaching tools. More than ever, I understand that humility is not optional, it is absolutely necessary. 

There is so much more, but this is becoming much longer than I intended.  So far, I’ve done a handful of photo shoots and each one I’ve had my fair share of mistakes.  Regardless, as I drive away from each shoot I feel a rush and am filled with a deep love and excitement for this “thing” that gives me an opportunity to be up close and personal with special people.  And when all goes right, perhaps I am able to hand them the gift of time captured.

Recently, I was given an opportunity to spend an afternoon with a very special family.

In our parts we refer to a family like this as, them is good people.  (This must be said with a twang.)

This is Burke and JoEllen and their children Caislyn, Maylee, and Jakobi.  If I had to choose one word to describe this family it would be, “STRONG”. 

Six years ago, that little lady gave birth to TRIPLETS.  Yes, three tiny babies joined older sister Caislyn, entering the world a bit too early. Jakobi, Maylee and brother Breckin were all well under 2 lbs each.  Breckin is now their angel in Heaven. 

See what I mean by strong?  This is a family of survivors. (They used to blog, you can check it out here.)

Before I go into any shoot I whisper a quiet prayer. . . Help me to capture who they really are.  Burke and JoEllen, I hope I was able to do that. . .

Enough with my chatter, lets get to the pictures. . . Three kids with three distinct personalities. . .  

Caislyn, the deep-souled nature lover. 

Jakobi, the spit fire, full of personality. . .

I did not touch his eyes. . . they are incredible

Maylee, the sweetest of sweethearts. . .

Individuals?  Yes. 

Connected as a family?  Absolutely. . .

Look at those eyes!

I enjoyed every moment spent with this family.  They were so laid back and full of laughter and fun.  For a person getting her feet wet in the world of photography. . . that was just what I needed.

I write about it here because I know photography is (and will continue to be) a journey.  I am certain that there will be ups and downs along the way.  I have no idea where I will end up or how the journey might change me.  What I do know, is that I’m going to do everything I can to embrace the process. 

Thank you Burke, JoEllen, Caislyn, Jakobi, and Maylee for being a part
of my journey.  It was such an honor to capture a few of your precious
moments.  Your family has added so much to our lives.