merry christmas + giving back

I recently attended a OneLight Workshop with Zack Arias.  He is one of the great masters in understanding off camera lighting (I'll post more about that experience after the new year).  The workshop was amazing--Zack is a bit insane, but oh so inspiring!!   I got chatting with Mark Palmer, one of the other photographers, during one of the breaks and he shared with me that he did hospice photography as his way of giving back to his community.  He also connected me with a "give back" initiative that is sponsored by Jeremy Cowart called Help-Portrait where photographers around the world open up their studios or organize a location for a community photo shoot where they can give back by offering a free portrait.  Needless to say....I was inspired!!  I typically give service through my church, but this got me thinking of ways in which I could broaden my giving.  Who could I give my talent as a photographer to that might add to their joy this holiday season if they had a portrait of themselves to share with loved ones or family?   My answer came...inmates at the House of Corrections.   I cannot begin to explain the power of my time with the 16 inmates who signed up to receive one of my portraits.  I had a delightful afternoon as these individuals so generously shared with me their lives, their hearts, and most importantly, their light. 

A HUGE thank you to the staff, all of the guards, and especially the superintendent for his willingness to help me share what gift I had to offer this Christmas season.  

waddoups family

As the Waddoups family were about to relocate to the West, they were anxious to have a family photo documenting their family's history in their beloved New England.  It was a delight to join with them as they said goodbye to the seacoast that had defined and shaped who they had become over the last several years.  I was honored that I was asked to capture their history through my camera lens.

When our young family moved from Idaho to New Hampshire 23 years ago a dear neighbor and friend shared with us, "You never really leave a place you love, you take a piece of it with you, leaving a piece of you behind."  I am confident that the Waddoups family will take a piece of New England with them as they embark onto the next chapter of their lives.  

Quinceanera + Shantel

Let the party begin!
A Quinceanera begins just the same as all major celebrations ...  arriving in a limo!  

After the guests have arrived and taken their seats, there is a procession of flower girls, grandparents, parents and finally the princess of honor!

The birthday young woman is seated and then the formal program begins.  Mom takes the crown off her head, replacing it with a crown that her older sister received two years prior.  Shantel then places her crown on the head of her younger sister in preparation for her own future Quinceanera.

(Note Shantel's Father's cool shoes!  He was so PROUD of them!  He looked fabulous!)

Shantel's Mom puts lipstick on her for the first time, symbolizing her crossing over the threshold to womanhood.

Dad has the honor of placing Shantel's first high heeled shoes on (it reminded me of the glass slippers in Cinderella).

Dad gets the first dance with his princess daughter.  Lots of laughter and tears!

Then came the thank yous.  Shantel gave a rose for each of the people who helped shape her into the person that she has become.   It was a very tender part of the night as I witnessed her great love and appreciation she gave to all.  It was my favorite.  

The succession of sisters...

What a wonderful celebration!  I feel so honored to have been a part of it and to have witnessed with Shantel's loved ones, this great milestone in her life.

Shantel + Quinceanera

The Latin American culture loves celebrations!  When a young woman turns 15 they have a "Quinceanera" which translates as, "one who is fifteen."  This birthday celebration marks for a girl the transition from childhood into young womanhood.  Preparations for this big event begin far in advance.  I met with Shantel's Mom a year ago as she began sharing the vision for her daughter's special milestone.  It was an honor to be a part of this grand tradition.  We had a photography session about 3 months before the event to capture the beauty of this emerging princess.  Shantel was delightful to work with.  She was full of enthusiasm and beauty.  Joy spilled over her in abundance.  Shantel is someone who is not only beautiful on the outside, but her light from within shines brightly.  Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot.

   

 

What an honor it was to spend the afternoon with this vibriant young woman.  I can't wait to continue to watch Shantel grow and blossom.  The Quinceanera party will be blogged next -- and what a celebation that was!

Hillary+Ben = Boston Wedding

New England experienced its first big heavy snow storm on December 27th. The entire region was almost at a standstill. Luckily, Hillary and Ben's wedding wasn't until the following day as the snow provided a magically quailty to the backdrop of the day.

Even though it was bitter cold, there was no mistake in the love and warmth that Ben and Hillary brought to the celebration.  They were adorable together.

My Grandmother used to have an expression--"the last rose of summer." My son, Buckley, second shot for me and he captured this amazing photograph of truly the last rose of summer--and winter for that matter.

Ben brought an entire entourage of groomsmen.  Friends that had been with him since childhood.  They paid loving and tender tributes.  They also brought a tremendous energy to the day as they celebrated with their dear friend.

After the wedding and luncheon, they wanted to play a little basketball before heading over to the reception. Hillary was even enticed to join in.

The reception was held at the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Designed in 1793 for wealthy shipping merchant, Theodore Lyman, the estate was home of the prominent Lyman family for more than 150 years.  The home was used as a summer retreat.  The rest of the year was spent on Beacon Hill in Boston.  It was stunning.

The grand staircase was absolutely breathtaking!  I usually don't post interior architectural shots, but I couldn't resist this one.

Hillary's family is very musically gifted.  Here she is playing the piano while Ben is trying to nuzzle.

Hillary had an array of bridesmaids who had a blast celebrating their wedding.  They wanted to do a "let's hold the groom" shot.


Once they got started, they wanted to pick up everyone at the reception.  Here Hillary's Mom is being a trooper as she joins in their laughter and proving of strength.

Ben and the best man.

The florist created beautiful bouquets with peacock feathers that provided the perfect spot for the ring shot.

The mansion was decorated from top to bottom with Christmas.  It was a magical, festive backdrop for romantic pictures.

And then there was dancing!

I had a delightful day!  A big thank you to Hillary and Ben for allowing me to capture this slice of their very special life.