Photographers are often challenged to put themselves on the other side of the lens and create a self-portrait. I handed off my camera for a few minutes while on the beach in Carlsbad this past weekend. Now, I’ll be honest… my husband captured this image without me realizing it, but I feel like this image captures a little bit of where I am and how I feel.
For the past two years, I have gotten to know this family by sharing common space with them… (bbq grill, patio table, pool, etc) but more than sharing this “stuff,” we have shared some incredible memories. It was with much sadness that I had to say goodbye to this family two weeks ago as they moved on to a new chapter in their lives. I will remember the days when I was experiencing LA culture shock and “S” would run towards me with a huge smile on her face, laughter and Korean words leaving her mouth and then, a big hug. Both “S” and her two older sisters brought such joy to our apartment community that it is difficult to accept city noises that doesn’t include the quick, yet distinct running of a now four year old running from her door to ours and A not biking around the perimeter of the pool or “J” not playing her flute. It has been fun to see them come out of their shells as they quickly learned English and discovered more of who they are - even during a season of adjustment. Mr. and Mrs. Kim modeled a beautiful form of parenting that was both gentle and wise. I never heard them raise their voice to yell and yet, their children were so well-behaved. (What’s the secret??) Their friendship was and is a blessing to Tony and I. I could continue, but I think the images will explain the rest… and why my heart broke quite a bit when I heard those little footsteps on their last day here. Meet the Kim family.
When my sister-in-law Shanna asked me to do a family session with her while I was home in Indiana for a couple weeks, I could not refuse. My brother Nate and his wife Shanna have been married for 8 years and their love for each other and the way they adore their nine-month old son Baby L is a photographer’s (but more importantly, a sister and aunt’s) dream. The down side was we only had a short amount of time that worked for us to get together for this session, but we made the most of it.
As you can see, they are a ridiculously gorgeous family with so much joy in their life together.
This next image, for me, captures the beauty of who they are and where they live…
If you want to read their story, you can check out their blog. Thank you Nate, Shanna, and Baby L for inviting me to capture your love. Happy 9 month Birthday Baby L…I know your day will be full of kicking, gurgling, and smiles.
I am amazed at the variety of earthquakes I have felt since moving out to California… everything from a wavy, rolling earthquake to the shaking and rattling earthquakes… In today’s earthquake, I experienced more of one big jolt. Its crazy how much I experienced an earthquake when the epicenter was 148 miles away. Every time, I have quickly and calmly stood up and moved to a doorway… It is engrained in me from all my years of schooling in the midwest - even though the safety of a door frame is now debated. I’d post a picture on here of the experience, but that’s impossible.
Tony and I received tickets to go to Lacey Park to watch the Fourth of July Fireworks. We had two extra tickets so our friends Rich and Hilly went with us… For us, there is nothing better than friends, a picnic dinner, and games all enjoyed on a blanket while waiting in anticipation of the fireworks. Lightning and thunder impress me more, but I still appreciate the fireworks and what they represent for us, as Americans. I am so grateful for my freedom… and I know that did not come without a price.
First, meet our kiwi friends Rich and Hilly:
and now for just a few of the fireworks… (first attempt at trying to capture fireworks on camera)
but I can see why people aren’t sure.
Beyond corn (and wheat), there also happens to be the cutest baby in the world… who coincidentally is my first and favorite nephew!
who belongs to two of the most natural, easygoing yet intentional parents:
This is just a hint of the many adventures I had with family and friends in Indiana and Michigan… More to come in the near future - along with both a maternity and family session sneak preview!
This is delayed due to us leaving on vacation soon after this event… but 2 weeks ago, my husband Tony graduated from Fuller with his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I couldn’t be more proud of him and all he has learned in the past two years. I am not sure how he managed to take so many classes, do well in class, and counsel clients more than 600 hours in the past year alone. In the midst of a demanding program, he has also made our own marriage and time together a high priority… It hasn’t been easy on either of us and there were a lot of emotions for us as he walked across the stage and received his diploma holder. For me, the walk across the stage made me:
1) so proud of who he is, how hard he has worked, and how he genuinely cares for others.
2) relieved that I no longer bear the responsibility for working and being a temporary ‘breadwinner.’
3) excited for the freedom we feel from being done with his schooling…. and the possibilities that lie ahead.
4) anticipating evenings and weekends together that include more time with people we love and time exploring more of Southern California.
Thanks to our friend Matt for capturing this picture from the front row:
Below are two of the lifelong friends and now colleagues who helped Tony survive the two years of an intense program:
I like to think that I helped Tony conceptualize what he was learning about marriage and family therapy… =) At the least, I gave him field experience.
Last week, I met with Dan and Heather who are getting married this summer in Michigan. Dan, a recent graduate of the Marriage and Family Therapy program @ Fuller met his fiance Heather, a nurse @ Huntington Hospital, while visiting friends and family back in Holland, Michigan. They are perfect for each other. Dan is funny/witty. Heather likes to laugh. (and is funny too!) Heather is trained in meeting the physical needs of others, while Dan is trained in meeting the emotional and relational needs.
As I was viewing and editing the final images from their session, I noticed a common theme… laughter. As a couple, they are the ‘life of the party.’ They bring a lot of fun and energy to about any setting… even the classroom. Below are just a few of the MANY favorites from their session. Congratulations Dan and Heather on your upcoming marriage!!!
Hello beautiful blue eyes!
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