Losing a loved one is painful for family and friends. When the death is unexpected, that pain is multiplied. So imagine, without warning, losing the love of your life...the incredible daddy of your two young daughters...when 3 months pregnant....right before the holidays. Yes, it takes your breath away...doesn't it? I'm sure you're thinking exactly what I was, "I can't even imagine." Nothing prepares us in life for losing someone so young at such a tender moment in time. So when this sweet mama reached out regarding a Maternity Session and asked if an image of him could be included in a few of the session photos, all I could think of was Mercy, I've never done this, but one way or another...I going to make it happen for her!
Mama arrived to the session looking absolutely perfect - just beautiful...as did the little ones. She had chosen both a black and a white gown saying, 'He loved black and white' and brought a framed photo of dad as well as a locket with his image. Believe me when I say, she did an amazing job throughout her session despite how incredibly difficult it had to have been for her. I'm not going to lie, there were quite a few times that I choked up behind the camera both at the maternity session as well as the fresh 48 session and then again while editing the pictures. Mama, on the other hand, remained a pillar of strength...even through a few heart wrenching poses.
When her little guy made his arrival a couple of months later, we included dad in the Fresh 48 session as well. Now this little prince will have photos when he's older, just like his sisters, to look at and see how much he was loved.
Honestly, I initially hesitated writing this blog until a dear friend mentioned how much she wished she'd known about these types of edits years ago and encouraged me to post a few of the completed images.
Her words, "People need to know about this - it could be healing for so many."