The timing couldn't be better... It's as if I was waiting for that PERFECT session to launch my blog so that the first post would be meaningful and not only reflect who I am as a photographer, but more importantly, as a person. The beauty of it was, these two events just happened to coincide: a session with a very special family and putting the finishing touches on my website and blog.
Meet the Wagner family: I have known Susan through the Newburyport Mother's Club for a while now, but it wasn't until the day she posted one very profane word to her Facebook page that I REALLY got to know her. That day, Susan was reacting to her husband's diagnosis with colorectal cancer. I couldn't picture Susan using that word - ever - but I immediately fell in love with her the day she did. She and her family are, as she describes, an open book. Her emotions were raw and real and I knew I just had to convince her to let me capture photos of them.
Turns out, it didn't take much convincing. In Susan's words: Family pictures are important in the best of times, and at the onset of a serious illness they become so much more. She wanted photos and so many people wanted to help make it a special occasion for Susan, Steve and their two beautiful little girls.
Meet the Wagner family: I have known Susan through the Newburyport Mother's Club for a while now, but it wasn't until the day she posted one very profane word to her Facebook page that I REALLY got to know her. That day, Susan was reacting to her husband's diagnosis with colorectal cancer. I couldn't picture Susan using that word - ever - but I immediately fell in love with her the day she did. She and her family are, as she describes, an open book. Her emotions were raw and real and I knew I just had to convince her to let me capture photos of them.
Turns out, it didn't take much convincing. In Susan's words: Family pictures are important in the best of times, and at the onset of a serious illness they become so much more. She wanted photos and so many people wanted to help make it a special occasion for Susan, Steve and their two beautiful little girls.
So I, along with a slew of Susan's friends and a couple of very helpful local businesses, went to work. Lively Kids, in Newburyport, outfitted the girls in the most adorable dresses and accessories. The Fashion Bus Stop, in Amesbury, helped Susan with her wardrobe, and John Farley Clothiers, in Newburyport, dressed Steve from head to toe. The day of the shoot, Interlocks Salon and Day Spa, pampered all four Wagners with hair and makeup. After all was said and done, the wonderful folks at Anchor Stone Deck Pizza treated the family to lunch!
It had shaped up to be exactly as I envisioned. A relaxed family, a beautiful day, wonderful memories...
It had shaped up to be exactly as I envisioned. A relaxed family, a beautiful day, wonderful memories...
They have thanked me numerous times, but I don't think the Wagners know how grateful I am to them for allowing me to play this role at such a vulnerable time in their lives. They are in for a long road with Steve's diagnosis and treatment, but Susan and the girls are so incredibly strong and awesomely in love with Steve, I know they will make it through this. I pray every day for Susan's continued strength and great attitude. Steve -- I know you already know this, but you are surrounded by three very special girls in your life!
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this week special for the Wagner family. I hope I did you proud with the end results! Till the next time, Wagner family, keep loving and keep fighting!
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