I was warned about this one Several times.
People told me to watch out what I was doing, be careful, you can get in way over your head before you know it. Well, I didn't listen, and it happened!!!
I have been blessed to work alongside Shelby Lee for the last 6 months with the Perry Regiment. She has taken the Regiment Guard to a new level. I recently was able to meet her husband, Brandon face to face at the Christmas band concerts for Perry High School. With all the time we have spent together, I felt like I have known this couple for years. I met their daughter for the first time at the Regiments Trunk or Treat at the end of the marching season this year. I knew at the time she was really cute and full of personality.
Now the fun begins, I was honored, blessed and excited when Shelby asked me to photograph their daughter with the Christmas lights in Macon. As the day approached, the weather turned on us, and it got cold, I was thinking this wasn't going to happen, but we headed out to Macon anyway. I had suggested we don't bring a coat but wrap her in a blanket so we could get it on and off quickly. She was shy at first, but boy did she light up.
This was the first time I had seen Shelby in action as a mother, and boy was she great! She kept this little girl involved and active despite the cold, blanket off, blanket on, back off again, we were all moving so fast, despite the cold, the sweat was pouring! Brandon and I were doing everything we could to keep her contained and shoot at the same time. As you can see, several people followed us around watching because she is just so dang cute. What a blast, and look at this face!
Well as humbling and hard for me to admit, I didn't think that we had gotten what they wanted from this session so we scheduled an indoor session 2 days later so we could get out of the cold and have a little more control.
She didn't disappoint!!!
It took a while, which is typical with a less than 2-year-old in an environment that she doesn't know, not to mention being talked to by a fat old man, so we just played for a little bit. We played with the reindeer and fixed the chair, played with her bear. I tried to get a hug, but that wasn't happening! After some playing and encouragement, the shots began to flow, and she gave us the 10 minutes we needed! We played some more, to Shelby's dismay, I showed her how to make the lights flash and we talked on the phone (which happened to be the tripper). When it was time to go, I again asked for a hug....... nope, straight to mama! We loaded up and right before she got in her car seat it happed, I extended my hand and she took my finger gave it a little tug, I moved in closer and bam right on the cheek...... I Got a kiss!!!!! That did it! I admit it!! I am in love with this child!!!
I have worked many jobs in my lifetime, but the opportunities you get from being a photographer make it the best job ever. We get to be a part of people's families, preserving memories while making our own. Who Could ask for anything better?
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