You never know just how much something has impacted your life until it's no longer a part of it. Even if it's only for a brief time, when a passion that has become so heavily intertwined into your heart and soul is suddenly brought to a halt, the change is powerful. For me, my small photography business is not just a source of an income, it's the joy of seeing my childhood dreams become a reality, it's my creative outlet, it's a place for growth, it's a place for fun, for games, for laughter. My photography is a place where I can bring happiness to others, and in turn gain happiness myself. So going from the plans of seeing so many cheerful faces for Easter photos with fuzzy bunnies and cute little lambs, as well as Springtime photos, to not being able to interact or photograph people for weeks with no definite end in sight, that hit hard. Because few things are harder than having your expectations built up so high, only to have a needle pop the balloon and all that joy comes crashing down.
The first week or two of quarantine were certainly the most defeating for me. I had to adjust my passion and find a new way to pursue what I loved that didn't involve interacting with people. It all really put into perspective just how much I had come to rely on my photography for socializing. I am blessed to work with some of the absolute best people, I say it all the time because it's true! And just like I miss my family when I don't see them, I really missed seeing my clients and still do. I am so anxiously waiting to be able to photograph people again. And just a fair warning to my first clients when the time comes, if I seem a little over excited and maybe spend longer talking to you than normal, please forgive me. I just can't wait to see more great people again!
But I have plenty to be thankful for even in this season of waiting. I am thankful that right before the quarantine started, I was able to photograph two of the sweetest siblings a photographer could hope for. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect portrait session to be the last one for weeks. This brother and sister were just adorable and they totally rocked their session!
Preston is just the cutest, most handsome little man. And then there's his adorable baby sister, Emelia. I mean, I am always a sucker for cute babies, especially ones as pleasant and happy as Emelia! But of course it helps having a big brother who obviously loves you as much as Preson loves Emelia. He was such a good helper, not only did he do a great job of holding his baby sister for some of the photos, but when he was getting his break from smiling, he was in the background making Emelia smile and laugh! Speaking of smiles, Preston himself had a really fantastic genuine smile. Oh sure, sometimes he would sneak in the fake forced smile that we all get during photos, but he made it super easy to get him back to the comfortable natural smile his momma loved.
These two kiddos made my "job" so easy, I couldn't have hoped for better kids to photograph! They smiled and laughed, were carefree and fun practically the whole time they were there. They definitely earned their special treat their parents got them after their session as far as I am concerned! I think we all had fun during their portrait session!
I could focus on all that I am missing out on and all the things I can't do right now. But fun sessions like these are the moments that I choose to focus on as I look forward to being able to photograph people again. I choose to remain joyful and plan for the good to come. As long as I still have my camera and my vision, I will always find a way to see the beauty in the world.
