I've been blessed!

I want to share an amazing blessing with you.  On Sunday afternoon, I went over to the Hollis' home to take photos for people.  For a $25 donation to the Darya Project, I took photos for people to use for their Christmas cards.  I was totally blessed by taking photos of some very special little girls.  I loved it!   And I hope that I have the opportunity in the future to take photos of other special needs kids.  I can't tell you how blessed I was by this experience. Melanie shared with me that there are some photographers who won't work with special needs kiddos.  And she said that when they do find a photographer, it's often a really bad experience because they don't always know how to interact with the kids.  I really can't imagine not knowing how to interact with a child with Down Syndrome.  I believe it's fear and uncertainty of their own abilities that hold them back, surely not aversion to the children themselves.  But on the other hand, I'm not a "line up and say cheese" kind of "photographer."  (I put that word in quotes because I don't know at what point you officially get to call yourself a photographer.  Is it when you start getting paid for your work?  Is it when you are recognized?  I'm not sure, but it feels a little phony to say I'm a "photographer" just yet.)  It doesn't bother me if people aren't perfectly posed.  I'm not trying to capture museum models, I'm trying to capture relationships and personalities.  I believe if you get a brother pulling hair or a sister trying to tickle everyone, that's who that child is and that will evoke a memory later in life that a perfectly posed portrait won't capture.  

Anyway, my point is, I think that photographers who won't work with special children are missing a fantastic blessing.  I had a blast, I was honored, and I hope that the parents are happy with the result.  Here are a few.  

This is Caroline and her brother, Stuart.  This little girl was so sweet and loving.  She followed directions so well.  She just hammed it up for the camera.  (This picture is straight out of the camera, I haven't edited it yet.)

  

Of course, the precious Hollis chidren.  It's easy to see that they make a photographers job very easy! 

This mom and dad are in for some t.r.o.u.b.l.e. when these girls grow up.  Look at these gorgeous girls!  And little Delaney was a peach!  I have another sweet shot where her sister is looking at her with so much love it melts your heart!  Precious!