The Christmas I received my little point and shoot 35 mm, I was in heaven. It never left my hand; I took pictures of everything and I went through film like you would not believe… Looking back now, you could probably say that I wasted a lot of film. But when I look at those pictures, I see a common theme of a love for people and a desire to capture moments and emotions. In high school there was a turning point when I knew this wasn’t just an interest, but my passion, when I learned my grandfather also shared my love, and I had the chance to develop negatives of my mom as a newborn. Being able to see what my grandfather portrayed showed me how powerful an image can be as fleeting moments are captured through a photograph. The power of an image is it’s ability to communicate silently. My love for people led me to a degree in psychology and a deep desire to serve others: in overseas missions, in helping a bride on her special day and making a mother-to-be feel stunning with the life growing inside her. Photography allows me the privilege to meet wonderful people and communicate more than just memories; but to share the story behind the emotions.

11.14.2010

Larry & Kelly | Vienna Family Portraits

Last Sunday was Orphan Sunday, and we had the absolute pleasure to celebrate the day by photographing the Steagall family. Larry and Kelly adopted Nathanael from China in September 2008 and just brought home precious Jessie Mei less than one month ago! It was so amazing to see how well Jessie Mei is already adjusting and bonding with her family, and Nathanael is such a sweet big brother.

Kelly mentioned later on that both children were actually classified as “special needs.” I seriously had no idea! You would never know that by being around them. Just happy, beautiful kids…. “I think for us what has been so special is that both of our children were considered special needs and have medical issues we are dealing with, but you would never know it from looking at them or interacting with them. So many people have different ideas of what a special needs or a waiting child would look like and to us they are just normal kids who need a forever family! We have been so blessed by them, we wouldn’t ever consider doing it any other way.”