The pictures we create today for people may be the only things some people have left

I came across this article recently and I have posted about this topic before -- see "A reminder not to wait for the perfect time", below, but I came across this and just had to share it with everyone. Lisa
Recently, I photographed a family that has a 3 yr old with a rare form of kidney cancer. Never having had a family portrait, these would most likely be their only family portraits with Lydia.

We had good weather the day of their session. Lydia and her 1 year old sister were just as busy as any one and three year old getting photographed. We enjoyed our time together, capturing as many moments as we could before the girls gave out...even got Dad to crack a grin (he didn't smile for his own wedding photos I was was told). I posted the proofing slideshow to Facebook for them to share with their friends and family afterward. It was tough not letting the emotional aspect override my brain throughout all of this.

Lydia took a turn for the worse about as week after their prints were delivered. Fluid is building up from the cysts that the tumors create. Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh can do no more for her but keep her comfortable and as pain free as they can with the help of Hospice. They figure she has maybe 2 weeks...

The pictures we create today for people may be the only things some people have left when the ones they love are taken from them.
 Stephanie Cunningham, CPP


A reminder not to wait for the perfect time!



I read a wonderful article on another photographer's blog -- wow! I just had to post it to remind everyone of the importance of family photographs -- do not wait for the perfect time for photos.

it’s so easy to say

–I’m too fat.
I have too much going on.
we’re too busy.
maybe next year.

but I just want to say STOP IT!

We need to take the time to appreciate the value of family photos, if not for ourselves (because we’re too fat or whatever), then for our children. In 20 years, your children are not going to say, I really love this photo of my family but I wish my mom had waited until she lost some weight.
Please just get a family portrait done because these photographs are so important to those who love you!

http://www.debsphotographs.com/photoblog/?p=957

We never know what tomorrow will bring our way. And life is quickly racing by; before we know it, our kids will be grown and leaving the house.
NO, THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME.

I hope that this will inspire someone, who might be waiting for that perfect time or to lose a couple of pounds, to book a photographer…today!

Stephanie Cunningham got her start in photography at the age of 9 when she recieved her first camera. This continued throughout school and she could always be found with a camera in hand. Her education includes completing a 3 year course in Commercial Art and Design from Erie County AVTS and pursuing Photography/Multimedia at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. A start in portraiture began at Kinderfoto and continued with Sonney's Photography, American Studios, Olan Mills Studios and JC Penney Portraits. Continued training includes participating in workshops hosted by such photographers as Clay Blackmore with Jane Conner-ziser, Beth Forester, Michael Barton, John Metcalfe, Paul Rogers, Michael Redford, Will Crockett and Doug Gordon. She is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographer Society of New York, Southwestern New York Association of Professional Photographers and National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Stephanie is a PPA Certified Professional Photographer. She is also serving as 2010 President of SNAPP.