I mentioned a few days ago that I was really looking forward to a VERY meaningful photo shoot. Really my 1st ever, REAL shoot. One w/ actual people who aren't Jax. Unfortunately it didn't pan out, at least not yet. I'll try to make this as short as I can...
Our WONDERFUL next door neighbor & close friend has terminal Leukemia. By terminal the Dr.'s gave him maybe a week... that was 5 days ago. His name is Chuck(aka Chuckles), & is LOVED by all. You can't not adore him. He is a husband, father, grandfather, friend, Vietnam Vet, neighborhood hero/flirt. His sweet family asked me if I could take their final family pictures together, & even his portrait for the newspaper. I was/am beyond honored. We had to cancel do to him, well... basically not having the strength to even get out of bed. That was Monday, Memorial Day, of all days. We thought he might not make it through the night, the next day he was up & out of bed! I'm really hoping we will be able to take the photos soon. I do know that no matter where my photography journey will hopefully take me... there will never be photographs that will mean as much as these would. I just want so badly to give his beautiful family something to remember their AMAZING Chuck.
Sooo... this leads me here, to these photos. These were taken behind our houses, where I hope to take Chuck's family pictures. I walked up there a while back to scope it out for the session, & met the gorgeous little girl you will see below. Her name is Raegan, & she also lives down the street from us. This was her very 1st day riding her bike w/out training wheels & her dad asked if I could take a few photos for them. Uhmmm... yes please! Then a million more shots followed... as you will also see, I think Jax was just a little smitten w/ Miss Raegan! Btw, she has the prettiest darn eyes, & was the perfect subject. Hope you'll see her again soon!
Meet Raegan. (& you know Jax)
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35 comments:
sweet family photographs; very photogenic kids and lovely scenic backgrounds
The first shot is gorgeous!!!
Wow, what lovely pictures!
These are all so beautiful, M! I can't wait to see the photos of Chuck and his family, too.
What a sad/sweet story about your neighbor. But, what amazing photographs! I absolutely adore the ladybug one.
Oh my gosh these photos are incredible. B
I am so sorry about your neighbor! That is so sweet that they asked you to do their photoshoot though. I really hope you get to do it. I know you'll do an amazing job. I wish him and his family all the strength in the world. Keep us updated on his situation.
Love these, especially the first one, man that is just gorgeous! The lighting, the subjects... It is perfect, Mel!!! You have such a huge future ahead of you, it makes me so excited for you when I see these. I'm sorry your shoot hasn't panned out yet. I hope it does because it sounds like something those people will cherish for the rest of their lives. What a wonderful thing to do for someone.
Love that first photo!! She has such darling eyes! I hope you get the chance to shoot that family soon!
Hoping you get your family shot in. Loving these..esp. the first one.
So sorry to hear about your neighbor, I really hope you get to photograph their family...These are beautiful, you really worked that yummy light. The first one is my favorite...oh, and the lady bug one :)
Melanie, I am so sorry to hear about your neighbor. :(
I, too, really hope you get to photograph their family soon.
That said, the images you've posted are magical in feel. There is so much warmth and depth in them. You are so incredibly talented, can I just say that I am in awe of your skills and ability to 'see' a photograph before you take it. This is real talent, my friend.
Huge love to you and yours,
Angie
xo
So sweet. Love the muting sunlight. You are a photographer with a lot of heart! Thanks for linking. I really enjoyed the photos and your journal entry.
Bobbie
Hope that family shoot works out! That little girl has stunning eyes! Good job on the photos, mama! xoxo
Okay- beautiful photos & even more beautiful story. What a tender situation. Hope you are able to capture these moments for them- they will cherish them forever.
btw- what were your settings & processing up there for these? I'm loving the rich colors
WOW! Love these! SO SO much. I thought the first would be my favorite - because it is incredible (those eyes- wow!) - but that shot of the kids in the grass with Jaxy in the foreground and Reagan in back is absolutely my favorite. The color version is just dreamy and so nice. Well done mama. And, sorry about your photoshoot - and even sorrier to hear about your neighbor. Hope they can all find peace during this time...hugs to you!
Oh my! These photos are stunning!
All of these are just so charming. What a fun day. I can't even pick a favorite but that little hand holding the ladybug with the dirty fingernails grabs my heart. I so hope you will be able to take the family pictures...prayers for them.
These are absolutely gorgeous, Melanie! Wonderful light. And I so hope that you can use your special gift to take family portraits for your friends. I will say a little prayer for them.
This breaks my heart, Melanie. I just said a little prayer for Chuck. I do hope that you are able to photograph him and his family. :(
ALSO your photos of Raegan are BEAUTIFUL and oh so MAGICAL! You are truly talented, lady. And that little girl is lovely!!!
That's heartbreaking. I hope you get the chance to give that family that gift.
Between the story and her eyes, I'm in tears.
<3
Love your guts!
Loving the light in these photos, Melanie. Well done, girl. :)
qmg, your kids are sooo cute!
stunning images! i love all of them.
i'm really impressed!
That first shot is incredible, especially in black and white. The girl's eyes are stunning. You've captured the beautifully. Some wonderful family shots to be treasured for years to come!
Oh Melanie!! These are so stunning. You are making magic with that camera.
Melanie- your story is a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing. Prayers for Chuck and his family. If is is meant to be it will be. As photographer myself- the thing I am most grateful for is the ability to give people images of their blessings. This is no small thing. You already have created a treasury of images for your own family. (and others I am sure)You will indeed bring that blessing to others. Your work is too filled with love not to. Sorry to go on - but I am very passionate about the value of images. Stay well and thanks for the warm welcome over at my place. PS My son is gorgeous (not very objective am I ?)Your son is too!
Oh WOW she is totally gorgeous and you have captured her beautifully. Little Jaxy looks like has really enjoyed her company in ths sun .. by the way if that's where you live I am so jealous it's lovely place!
So sorry to hear about your neighbor. :( You did a lovely job with these photos. I really, really hope you to take his photos next!
A Beautiful location. I hope you get the chance to capture his moments with his family during these hard days.
Melanie, Melanie, what can I say? These are absolutely beautiful girl! That little girl is so cute and her eyes are seriously amazing!!!! So Jax likes the older girls huh? Too funny! On a more serious note though, hope Chuck is not suffering. I'm sure that when he leaves this world he will be going to a much better place.
I'm so sorry Melanie, what a hard time. These photos are beautiful.
Oh my goodness these photos are amazing! Her eyes are just gorgeous and your little man is crazy cute!
I'm so sorry to hear about Chuckles. I really hope you have the opportunity to take those photos for his family. I know that would mean so much to them and to you. I can't even begin to imagine...
Okay, I couldn't resist...I have to feature it at tomorrow's Oh Snap! party. :)
Congratulations! Your photo is being featured over at "Life as this Mommy knows It"! Thanks so much for participating in last month's "Look Whooooo's Snapping" photo linky party!
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