Shannon Holden Photography

I love my job. That’s no secret. One of the things I love most about it are the people I meet along the way. And when clients become cherished friends, the rewards of my job grow even more.

Desiree is one of those people. I first met her years ago at a Portrait Party I was shooting, where I created some family portraits of her and her husband, and their (then) young son, Hunter. A couple of years after that, Desiree hosted her own Portrait Party with me. At that time, she was pregnant with her daughter and I was pregnant with mine, both of whom happened to be born precisely 2 months apart. In the months of our pregnancies and the birth of our babies, we became even closer friends, and her friendship means the world to me. Our daughters love their playdates together, and Desiree and I meet when we can (when our crazy schedules allow) for coffee or a workout. We even share personal training sessions … nothing like the accountability of a friend to get you to the gym. (Speaking of which … Des, don’t forget to email me about our next training time!)

I was thrilled for the chance to create some updated portraits of Desiree, her children, and her family this past holiday season. This is one of the sessions that I didn’t get a chance to share in the hectic months before Christmas (though those of you who visit my Facebook business page might remember these images), which is ironic since it was one of my favorite sessions of the year. I literally squealed out loud when I passed this open field on the way to Desiree’s house. She and Paynter were so patient and understanding as I dragged them out to this seemingly barren strip of land. I’m sure you photographers can identify with my glee. Thankfully we didn’t encounter any snakes. Hunter and Vivian were awesome for their photo session, and they are gorgeous kids to photograph.

Desiree, thank you. You make me laugh, you share my tears, you are a true friend. Love you, girl!

Much love,
Shannon

Elise is the beautiful daughter of some awesome friends of mine. We met nearly eighteen months ago, when we both joined a married couple’s Small Group at our church. Elise was born very soon after that, and I’ve had the privilege of creating her portraits a few times in her first year. She is now 15 months old, and growing more beautiful by the day. Elise has so many facets to her personality. She is quiet and curious, silly and playful, and always charming.

She was feeling just a tad bit shy on the day of our session, but she gave us some cute giggles when tickled. She’s walking now and she’s enjoying her mobility quite a lot. She loves her mommy and daddy so much, and likewise, they are quite smitten with her. I always enjoy seeing the bond within a family.

Josh and Trish, I am so thankful for our friendship, and thankful for the chance to be your photographer as well. We are blessed to have you in our lives.

Much love,
Shannon

P.S. Two more days of the blog contest! Thanks, Tiffany L, for being such a faithful reader, though I’m sorry you are having to work so many late night these days!! You’ve won another $50 portrait credit for catching my missed post yesterday. Truth be told, I was recovering from having 17 boys in my house for a pajama party for my son’s 9th birthday. I knew I hadn’t done the day’s blog post yet, but at 9:30, exhaustion took over and I was asleep!

Sometimes you just hear a story that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. I heard about this sweet family from my father. One of his business partners is this young man’s mother. As Dad told me of their recent trials, of their young son and new baby, of their sudden battle against cancer, I felt a grip on my heart. I asked Dad to put me in touch with them, so that I might create some family portraits for them as they begin this journey. I was so happy when I heard back from Alyson and Aaron and we were able to arrange a day for a session. And then I met them, and I knew… This wasn’t about something I could do for them. This is about what they would do for me. All four of them radiated kindness and love. They were bright with hope.

Alyson, Aaron, Parker, and Walker … thank you. Thank you for sharing a morning with me, for letting me share a very small part of this journey with you, for reminding me how much love and hope strengthens us. My prayers are with you, that this journey is swift and sure. I know that your love and hope will carry you through.

Much love,
Shannon

Do as I say … not as I do.

I tell my clients all the time … please call me to reschedule if your child is sick the day of our session. It is a rare exception that an ill child does well for their portrait session. Who could blame them? If I’m feeling crummy, I don’t want a crazy lady with a camera singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider in my face either.

So why on earth didn’t I take my own advice?

Back in the Fall, in the midst of my crazy busy portrait season when I was working about 80 hours a week, I was also stressing about getting my own children’s holiday portraits made. I get a little obsessive about my kids’ annual photographs. And this time, I heard the clock ticking … you see, my 6 year old had a very loose front tooth. I really, really wanted to get those photographs made before that tooth fell out.

So after our weeks and weeks of seemingly endless rain, we finally had a sunny weekend in the forecast, and I had a Sunday evening clear on my calendar. But on Friday afternoon, I found myself at Urgent Care with that same 6 year old, who had a 104 fever and chills, and a diagnosis of H1N1. The children’s holiday portraits would just have to wait.

On Sunday, my son was actually very perky. And much to my surprise, my kids were truly excited about their portrait session this year. They couldn’t wait to head out to take pictures. My sick one was especially enthusiastic. I sincerely had not planned on going through with their session that evening, but he insisted he was feeling up to it. So my husband and I spent the next hour getting them dressed and ready and driving out to the photo location.

When we arrived, I turned around to the backseat to see my child looking like he’d fallen off a train. The poor thing had run out of every ounce of energy he had left. I said we should just go back home, but my sweet boy said, “No, Mommy. I’m okay. I can do it.” Bless his heart. He wanted so badly to make Mommy happy.

Now you tell me … does this look like a child who feels up to modeling?

We made just a few photographs that evening, upon my son’s insistence. But we called it a night quickly. Thank goodness, he got over his flu in about a week, and we had another sunny evening come along before that wiggly tooth fell out. I’m thrilled with how my children’s portraits from our second session turned out. I’m planning a gallery wall in our living room made up of these images.

And I learned my lesson. Sick kids don’t make good portraits. Trust me on that one.

Much love,
Shannon