Meet Aubrey. And her freckles and red hair. *sigh* I just love freckles and red hair. We met in San Miguel and to my surprise the Mission was now fully open. (It was damaged in the earthquake I think of 2004.) It is beautiful and so much prettier to photograph at now.

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One year ago today, I saw the importance of photos. And one year ago today, my eyes were opened to view life differently. And one year ago today, God blessed me. And one year ago today, I was introduced to a new friend.

October 24, 2008, I met and photographed the McDonald family, Stan, Wendy, Zack, Clayton, and Samantha.

I have been thinking about this post for the past couple months, what I was going to type, how much I was going to let my heart speak and let my blog readers in. Everyday of my life, I think of Clayton McDonald.   There was so many things that transpired that God had a hand in.  I mean, AMAZING things…. …like it being holiday rush time at the labs and receiving a coffee table book in 2 weeks when it normally would take 6+ weeks.   …like my canvas supplier calling me and donating a canvas to the McDonalds and putting their order to the front of the line, and them arriving on my doorstep 2 days later.  Just so many wonderful things.  I stare at a canvas on my wall in my dining room of the famous “feet” shot  - from a photographer whom I have never met face to face (only know through a photography forum).  She contacted our canvas supplier and purchased an extra copy of the feet canvas and said  “Please hang it where you can see it every day and remember what a gift you gave to each other and to all of us.”  I was touched, so, so touched.  Thank you.

Clayton has touched so many people.  He has become a household name in many families.  His story on my blog and through various other sites has spread his name around the world and his testimony lives on and continues to inspire daily. What I didn’t realize is how touched I would be by this photo session.  At first I didn’t want to accept the session because I am such a softy and cry too easily.  But God knew better, that is why Lynette was calling me to ask if I would photograph them.  A session like this is very personal - very personal.  And when you have a family that lets you in on such a personal level, it really is amazing.  What I didn’t know is that I would find a friend in this.  Wendy is a gem.  (my eyes just brimmed with tears.)  I think through the past year and it started with emails, at first just about the photographs I had produced, about giving the family a homework assignment to provide verses and sayings for the coffee table book, asking her favorites so I could get canvases ordered and prints ordered.  Then it was Monday emails, as those were the days Clayton had to go have blood work done, so I was always praying a lot on Mondays and sending her emails to let her know they was in my prayers.  And this friendship developed.  We still email all the time and have coffee visits.   My most favorite is when I visit her home and see all the images scattered throughout their house.  She is always rearranging and redecorating and so the images move around so you always feel like you’re seeing something new.     Wendy, thank you.  You know how much I adore you, how I love you even more than my morning coffee.

“There are so many things in this life that distract us from understanding what is truly important. Clayton McDonald’s unique perspective has forced an understanding of life that most of us cannot comprehend.”  If you have never watched Clayton’s Story - go do it.  Here is a 7-minute film Clayton’s Story - take 7 minutes right now and go watch it.  Want more inspiration, watch his talk to the youth group.  Share it with your youth groups.  It inspires.  It is amazing.

As Clayton said:  “If you walk with God and you’re in His will, there might be pain, you might feel alone, it might get scary, but through all of it, you will not be disappointed.” - Clayton Stanton McDonald, April 26, 1990 - March 19, 2009.

Here is the slideshow of images from their photo session.

and my most favorite images, each one says so much.

~forever touched, your friend, Monyeen

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This was a fun session.  I enjoy photographing girls because they really get into the modeling thing.  Cassie has a great serious face and those seem to be the images I am always drawn to.  It was a day we thought the rains would start, but instead it stayed very cloudy and made for some moody images.  Thanks for baring the cold for me.  I had a great time.

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Oh, how I love his name, Cash. He has some proud parents. I was so tickled when dad came home on lunch and coo’d and snuggled with his boy. Cash has been the strongest newborn I have come across. At one point as I tried to swaddle him in my super soft stretchy fabric, he pushed his legs so hard he scooted away from me. He’s definitely going to be a little tough boy. And I’m sure his dog Sketch will be following him around all over when he starts walking. Anyhow, I am wanting to get into some more of a lifestyle theme of work with lots of black and whites.  And in the time that dad was holding Cash, I have a capture that melted me. I love how you slightly have dad’s hair in the image and those boots blurred at the ground.  I just love everything about it.

and some of the snuggly little guy.

Enjoyed meeting you all.  I’ll be in touch soon.

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Gosh, I cannot believe how quickly the holiday rush has arrived.   And the thunderstorm we’re having today and tomorrow reminds me how weather can put a damper on outdoor sessions.  boo!  I was so lucky at my session on Sunday evening, it was getting a little cool and breezy, but it was still not freezing . . . yet.

Just thought I’d share a sneak peek of some of the new holiday card offerings this year.

The question most asked is, what should I/we wear.   Once your session is booked, I send you over to my private client site where you can read more about the process of the session and you will also find many various clothing suggestions to give you ideas for your session.  I am not saying you need to go buy these items, but it’s to guide you on how to put various items together for a finished look.  And as I always tell people, l.a.y.e.r.s. is a big element to it.  A T-shirt under a button-up shirt under a sweater; a cami under a blouse under a fun & puffy vest.  Layers really add so much to your photos.  Here is a peak at some of what you find at my client site for clothing suggestions.

So I am a bit behind in blog posting, but that’s what happens when busy season is in full swing. But I am getting through the back log of orders and shipments and keeping things on track.

This is the Fisher family.   I photographed the cutie blonde little girl when she was about 7 months old, my has she grown.  And she is such a sweetie.  And then I photographed her little brother - well, he was never little, even at birth.  But I wanted to talk about Lynette, the mom of this whole family.  Lynette called my home a year ago this month.  She had gotten my number from close friends and asked if I’d be willing to photograph *this family from church* who’s son was ill.  As we all know, this is the McDonald family that she was calling about.  Honestly, I cannot thank Lynette enough.  I’ve never expressed it to her, but I will now.  Lynette, your phone call honestly changed my life, changed my view on my photography, changed me and, most of all, brought me even closer to God.  Thank you.  Really!   I have been so blessed and have gained so many new friends through this whole journey I am on.  I was so happy to photograph your whole family for your birthday!  I know it was a hot day and we were all sweating …. but they’re beautiful images of your family.  Here is your sneak peek.  Much love ~ Mo

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