They say that the only thing in life for sure is change. Things are changing. Yesterday was my 34th birthday, and I was able to shoot my first national ad campaign, which was extremely cool, although a tad stressful. Funny thing is 4 years ago to the day, on my 30th birthday, I entered the world of professional photography by carrying lights for a local photographer here in Birmingham. I am amazed at how long ago that seemed, but at the same time how fast time has flown. I guess my birthday will be a milemarker in my professional life as well as my personal life from now on. The job that I was able to be a part of was with my good friend Paul Crawford. It is a public service campaign that will show up in weekly magazines starting mid September, and run for 6 weeks or so. Magazines like Time, US Weekly, Newsweek, and some others so keep an eye out! I am pretty stoked that this will have such a reach, I still can’t believe I was able to be a part of it, but happy that it happened. I hope more jobs like this come my way. Once it has run, I will post some of the images.
As I think about how cool that is, I am reminded to keep perspective. Within the last month I have had the complete privilege to photograph 2 warriors. They are women that I am completely in awe of. Women battling cancer while carrying a new life in the womb. Laura Black, and Lorrie Johnson, each came into my life within 2 weeks of each other. Both were in similar situations, diagnosed with breast cancer early in their pregnancy, significant surgeries to start the battle, and 4 round of chemo endured by their own bodies as well as the tiny ones inside. After Rashel was diagnosed and went through her treatment, I thought I would not encounter women this young going through the same thing. Unfortunately more and more, it is common for young women to battle this. I say again, these women are warriors, brave and strong. Their stories bring perspective to my life, that no matter what kind of cool job I get to do, or what success is brought my way, that nothing compares to the beauty and simplicity of the blessing that life and people are. They are what matter, those that we know, those that our lives intersect with in some way, people matter.
I will share a couple of pictures and slideshows. I was able to photograph each of these women days before delivery. I haven’t yet been able to follow up with Lorrie, and baby Zachary, but will soon.
This is a shot from my time with Laura’s family in the hospital after baby Caroline was born. She was born a few weeks early, but has pulled through like a champ. Even though she has gone through 4 rounds of therapy with her mom, the awesome blue glow is not from the chemo! She had jaundice, but that has cleared up and they are safe and sound at home. Here is a slideshow.
The next image is one of my favorites I have taken in quite a while. I think mostly because it has absolutely nothing to do with me. This photo is completely made by the strength and confidence Lorrie brought into my studio. The juxtaposition of the effects of treatment and disease that has ravaged a body, against the beautiful moment of a new life being brought into this world, is mind blowing. My words can’t express what I really think of this, maybe this photo will be worth more than a thousand words. Here’s the slideshow.
Most importantly, I thank you for reading this as far as you have, but here’s the best part of the story. Both of these women after giving birth to their babies, were able to have a full body scan to determine if and where the cancer had spread. And both were completely FREE OF CANCER! I don’t care what you think, or believe, but I and many others know that this is an act of God. These women have been healed by the hand of God, as a result of His people praying and interceding for these ladies. I hope that my work draws people that don’t necessarily believe the same way that I do. I enjoy the relationships and conversations that different belief systems bring. But, I will stand on the top of any roof and shout as loud as I can, that I believe that Jesus Christ has intervened completely to show people that He is good, and He is God. I hope that this encourages you wherever you are in your journey, soli deo gloria.
