Portraits Are More Than Paper

Credit for this post goes to Jeanine at Fototails Photography.  Jeanine wrote this post yesterday, publishing a letter she received from a client.  Her client expressed what so many of us don’t realize until it is too late, and very quickly, this post is “going viral” on Facebook.  I am reposting it here for my clients, friends, and family with the hope that you all may realize just how important portraits, snapshots, and images truly are to our loved ones.

A letter on my door step. Portraits are more than paper.

Posted by jeaninethurston on January 2, 2012

There will be no portrait photos in this post.  This letter wasn’t mailed – it was at my doorstep when I got home a couple months ago.  I read it, I cried, and read it again – probably a hundred times by now.  It wasn’t easy to read – and honestly, as much as it validates what I do for a living – I wasn’t sure I was going to share it either – Until today, when a past client said that my print prices were too expensive.  If you choose to read through the letter, you will know why I’ve finally chosen to share it.

The Whitney Boys

When I have photo sessions, they are usually high school seniors or families, and it seems like I am usually photographing girls, and very rarely do I get to work with little boys.  One of my oldest friends was in town with his son for the Thanksgiving holiday, and we spent a morning having a photo session.  Dean and Flint are the first father-son session I’ve ever had, and there is something so unique and wonderful about that connection and relationship.  It was an honor for me to capture theirs.

Flint and Dean

Natural Natalie

I don’t know what to say about this sweet girl.  Even if I did, I wouldn’t know where to start.  She is Emma’s best friend.  If you ask Reagan, though, she is also Reagan’s best friend.  She is athletic, funny, smart, caring, compassionate, loyal, and she is a hard worker (school, the farm, everything).

We took part of Natalie’s senior pictures today because she wanted to have some in the wheat before it is harvested.  We had a great time tromping through the fields, knees giving out, tripping in coyote holes, and laughing.

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Natalie is the part of our family that we don’t get to have around all the time, but she comes to visit often.  We all love her!

Pretty Princesses

I got to spend most of my day with these three lovely ladies.

I had a great time, and I can’t wait to do it again, soon!

 

Attention! Class of 2012!

Donaven

Donaven and I had to work hard to get our schedules to cooperate to make it out for his senior pictures.  We finally managed to go out the morning of Mother’s Day, and we had a great time!  It was by far one of my quickest sessions to date, but it was also one of the most enjoyable.

Donaven is a great kid with a very bright future.  He must be very smart - he’s chosen to attend college in one of the best cities I know of – Missoula!  Go Grizzlies!

Good luck next year, Donaven!

KayCee

Sweet sweet KayCee.  She is so unique – she has always marched to her own drummer, and that is probably my favorite thing about her.  She knows herself and embraces her own style.  KayCee is graduating in June, and then she’s planning on heading to the Seattle area for school.  I know she will be successful, and she is going to go far!

When I took Janie’s senior pictures in February, KayCee went, too, and helped me.  This time, Janie went with KayCee and me, and the girls wanted some pictures together.  The picture near the tree is my interpretation of a picture KayCee’s mom has of the girls from earlier in their school days.

Arlene

Arlene is a senior at Irrigon High School.  I have known her since the end of her seventh grade year in school.  She is one of my absolute favorites from my time working there.  She is funny, quick-witted, and gregarious.  Years ago she nick-named me Mustard – a name that she and her sisters still call me today.  I’m really going to miss her!

I had an absolute blast with you today, Arlene!  I hope you enjoy these and the rest of your images.

Josh

I have known Josh for nearly 10 years.  His dad hunts with Aaron and me, and our kids have always hung out during hunting season.  Josh and Emma were the “big kids” of the group, so were tasked with wrangling the others and keeping them in line a lot.  I cannot believe he is now graduating.  It’s just too soon!

Enjoy the last few months of high school, Josh!  I know you are destined for greatness!

Jessica

Jessica is a beautiful girl inside and out.  We had to reschedule several times because of weather and me being sick, and I am so glad because today was just perfect!

    
 
   

Enjoy your sneak, Jessica, and have a great Spring Break!