Deep breath in, deep breath out …
Although I don’t have the same life they do, I can imagine what it’s like for them at home. Three children. One in bloom. A father that works as a fire-fighter. A mother who is pursuing a dream to be a professional photographer. Three children who are finding themselves and their individual ways in this world. The in-between moments are far and few between. Their heads are always heavy when they hit the pillow. Probably still heavy with exhaustion when they wake up. And, although it’s a life they love, it’s a life that is selfless and always in need of energy. A life that is short of downtime, moments of silence, time they have to stop and just enjoy one another. The one anothers that started this whole thing off in the beginning.
Before we got started I told them to take a deep breath and relax. Yes, they were there for pictures (which can always be a bit awkward), but this is their time. Free of children and to-do lists, responsibilities and hurry-ups.
Stop. Breath. Enjoy. Each other.
At one point I told them to stop and just look at each other. Look and see each other. Melissa sheepishly smiled and said she wasn’t sure when the last time was that she actually had done that. Really, truly saw him. In that moment I knew if not one picture turned out our time together would be meaningful.
That’s not uncommon at all. To live life – even those of us who live fabulous, balanced lives – and never really make the time to stop and see the ones we love the most. I know I do it. All the time.
Even though I was the one who started us off into the experience of noticing one another Brodie and Melissa were the ones who helped me see a few somethings as well.
Human touch can make everything insignificant melt away.
Being playful is often the best medicine for our souls.
And, sometimes a photograph is exactly what we need to see what is real today.
+++
This was my first session after returning from WPPI and experiencing Jesh de Rox’s invitation into the new movement he is advocating. Beloved. Dearly loved. We all are. Sometimes we just need room to stop and remember. And, as photographers we have the absolute blessing (and humble responsibility) to help others see that they are dearly loved.
Jesh just announced that his long-for-awaited Beloved: Field Guides are finally available for purchase. I quickly snagged mine up. I have already been ignited to be a different type of photographer. One that doesn’t take artistic photos for my portfolio. One that doesn’t take photos to simply blog them and hope for infinite amounts of oohs & ahhhs in comments. Instead, I want to remove myself and think of only the persons on the other side of my lens.
They are why we do what we do, right? But, oh how easy it is to forget that. I know I have a million times.
And, this is why I adore what Jesh is doing and am more than happy to help spread the fuel that is igniting this fire. From today through Wednesday @ 5 EST everyone who gives this movement some love will be entered into a drawing. On Wednesday @ 5 EST I will pick one name and will personally purchase them one of Jesh’s Beloved Field Guides.
Here’s what to do:
- Connect with me at Twitter – (@503Jess), leave a note on our Facebook page (503 Happenings) or simply leave a comment here. 
And, then check back on Wednesday @ 5 to see who is the brand new owner of Jesh’s Beloved Field Guide.
+++
And, for the world’s longest post .. ; ) … a few more of the insanely gorgeous, Melissa.
Smile! : )
you are loved,
jc
p.s. all actions used were from Jesh’s colorshift set.
+++
ETA: For those of you who read this Saturday/early Sunday you probably notice that the “what to do” changed. I had this total light bulb moment while at the gym today and realized that my asking you to tweet this or status update this could very easily be construed as a publicity pull for me. When the light bulb went off I gasped and almost fell off the treadmill! That was not and is not my heart. My initial thought was to encourage you to tell all your friends that an amazing Jesh Field Guide is up for grabs! You guys can do that without me telling you you have to or how to. ; ) So, just let us know you’re there – Twitter, Facebook or simple blog comment style & we’ll add your name to the drawing. : )