Isabel and Irene

We were lucky. 
Hurricane Irene stayed off the coast 200 miles from us. We were spared the destructive effects of her and were left with some magnificent waves.

I brought Isabel with me this past week 
while I was scouting a location for
 an engagement photography session 
at the beach.

It was about an hour before sunset 
and the light was glorious.

As I looked up, I was amazed (yet again) 
at the beautiful little girl Isabel has become.

She lost two teeth the week before last 
and just finished her first week of kindergarten.

My baby is gone forever. 

And while, there is a deep sadness over that, 

its impact is softened by the joy of seeing 

this amazing child.

My child.

My love.

Leaving Comfort Behind

So, you might ask... where have I been lately? Well, I have been working hard this summer building my photography business and am excited about how it is growing. This past week I had three sessions: two high school seniors and one fellow photographer from Miami. The photo shoots with the two girls were totally in my comfort zone. I love teenagers. As a teacher I am surrounded by them 8 hours a day. I get them. I enjoy them. I am recharged and inspired by them. And while having two sessions on the same day, 12 hours apart is not the ideal scheduling... it was fun and relaxing photographing the two teens.

Well, that is as relaxing as 98 degree Florida heat can be... : -0

Two days later, I had another session. This time with a fellow Floridian photographer. She was in town visiting with some friends and we had communicated earlier in the month about me taking her pictures. I knew that her session would be different and that I would be stretched. So I agreed.
And it WAS different. I am used to the insecuities that come with being an adolescent. With Kenia, it was very different. I loved that she was someone who was comfortable with her body...and knew how to position herself. I also loved that she was comfortable with a camera... albeit, her comfort usually lies on the other side of the lens.

What was out of my comfort zone was the edgy feel of the whole shoot. I am used to a more soft look, both  in dress and in environment. But, I realize it is important to grow. And so I took the plunge and went for it.

And I liked it.
I liked the strength that is portrayed through her.
And I liked that I, myself, grew stronger as a photographer because of her.

For more (and to see the photos), click here.

Simple Thanks

It's inevitable. I mean… they DO grow up. I recognize that. It's just that it hits out of nowhere. Like when my daughter came dancing into my bedroom wearing a dress she liked from last summer. Only, THIS summer it looks like a long shirt.

She starts kindergarten in less than three weeks. It seems like just yesterday we were in China with her being placed in my arms. And then there's is that wonderful rite of passage that she went through yesterday… the loss of the first tooth. Is there ANYTHING cuter than those goofy gap-toothed smiles?

And so I sit here. Having just finished slipping some quarters under her pillow and writing a letter from the Tooth Fairy for her to find in the morning. I sit here in amazement at the incredible life I live. And for that I am thankful.