Saturday, November 13, 2010

sharing


Forgive me of posting another pic of sweet little Mateo.  I was going through pictures and had to edit this one.  It makes me so happy, I just had to add it to this post.

(Here is where I give fair warning that I am going to be very vulnerable and share a part of me.  I hope you will indulge me.)

Going back to the picture - It actually is quite appropriate to add Mateo to my post because it was during his session that I realized how much I truly love photography and especially newborn photography (not like I didn't know that already, but . . .)

So, today, November 13th, is the anniversary of when I lost my arm in a car accident 14 years ago.  It has affected my life in many ways, as anyone can imagine.  One of the more frustrating ways is in my photography.  You see, part of the art of newborn photography is posing babies.  A beautiful newborn picture looks effortless, natural, and peaceful.  As anyone who has ever done a newborn session knows (client or photographer), it is a good amount of work and talent to get some of these sleeping baby poses.  Now imagine doing it with one hand! (I am so thankful for sweet parents who help me during the sessions). 

So, during Mateo's session, I was struggling a bit and I honestly told myself, Michele, you need to quit.  You cannot do this with one hand.

But.  When I got to my computer and started editing I knew I could not.  I cannot describe the joy and satisfaction I get in capturing a newborn baby.  There is something inside me that is almost giddy at the sweetness of a posed baby with their tiny little fingers and toes.  I love it.  And so I have decided that along with being a wife and mother, this was what I was meant to do.  So, that means I just have to figure it out somehow and keep trying . . .

10 comments:

Natalie said...

Michele, this post was so touching. You are an amazing woman and photographer. You are so talented at what you do! I absolutely love this picture, it's so beautiful!

Jenny said...

love your work, michele. don't ever stop. :)

squishysandee said...

You're work is amazing regardless of your trial with one arm. I know this pose is very difficult. When my daughter was put into this pose for her pics I had to hold her wrists together while the photographer took the pics -- couldn't imagine doing this by yourself. Keep up the touching and inspiring work you do.

BBC said...

michele! i don't know you super well but i think you are so amazing and wonderfully talented!!!! don't ever stop doing what you love because you are wonderful at photography!

Nancy Mataoa de Montero said...

Did you know Michele, that your blog is bookmarked on my computer, and that I watch for your every new post like a photography addict? Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but I seriously love your work!

I don't think I've thought once about what difficulties you might have in photographing these little ones because you DO make it look so effortless! I'm tempted to have another little one just to book another session with you! Okay- I'm exaggerating again, but only a little.

Keep posting, because I'm still blog stalking. And- I'll be calling you shortly for another session in January. The kids have another polynesian dance recital coming up and we LOVED the pictures you did for us last time! This time it will be all the kids AND mommy. You are wonderful!

Nancy Mataoa de Montero said...

And Mateo....so sweet. You have mad skills at capturing adorable sweetness.

Michele Reyes said...

Thanks for all the comments everyone.
I really do appreciate the boost :)

Trisha - this picture is actually two pics put together in Photoshop - I did the same thing with mom holding his wrists and then his head. I would rather the baby be safe and still get a super cute pic.

And thanks Nancy - you made me smile - we need to get together again soon!

squishysandee said...

Wow... that's pretty talented to merge two shots. I wish I knew how to work Photoshop :( or even had the program. Nice work!!

Canadian Princess said...

Oh Michele you are amazing, in more ways than one! Seriously your skills in all areas of life and photography amaze me. I'm so glad that you had this little experience to re-affirm that you need to continue doing what you love because looking at your pictures it's quite clear that "YOU CAN DO THIS!"

And good for you to put this out there as I'm sure it wasn't easy!

Julie said...

You do incredible work; better than most photographers who have BOTH arms. You inspire me. I just can't understand how you can possible take photos with one arm but somehow you do it & you should never quit. Get that thought to leave your brain. If it wasn't the arm, it'd be something else. Being a mom & wife & a photographer is difficult to manage.