A Rather Serious Post Followed by Some Rather Silly Hats | Milpitas Portrait Photography

My mom’s birthday is on January 20th.

If she were here, I would bring her her favorite coffee drink in the morning and swing dance with her in the living room doing the same 3 moves that comprise our entire swing-move-repertoire. She would go on a walk with my dad, and would insist on walking on the ‘inside’ side of the street. My sister would make her an insanely talented piece of artwork, and she would stare at it for half the day. We would all go out to dinner and steal bites off of everyone’s plates, and make sure we ordered dessert. And it would be chocolate.

Since losing her to cancer in 2009, our celebrations are a little different—but still wonderful. We know that we were so lucky to have her for the time we did, and have so many great things about her to celebrate. And weird things. And stupid, silly things. And even boring every-day memories which now are so precious.

In the past I have donated to the American Cancer Society, which is wonderful. But after a few years of doing this, I feel like I want to connect with others and directly help others going through the same thing—in a way where I am not merely clicking send on the ACS website.

I want to start a project. A project which has made its way in and out of my mind for the last year.

I would like to offer completely free sessions to people who have a loved one with cancer—newly diagnosed, in treatment, in remission—wherever you are in the process.

I want to capture your true dynamic with your loved one, doing something you love to do together.

I want to create a moment in time, preserved. Where you are with your loved one and you are doing nothing more than simply enjoying each others company being your true selves. I don’t want you to pose, smile at the camera, or ask ‘where should I stand’. I want you to plan an activity (read together, bake together, have a family dinner, go out to coffee, dance, etc), and invite me to watch behind my lens.

I want to give you your images at no cost, with no watermark. With no intention of ‘up-selling’ you.

I want to give you a gift that you will treasure a lifetime, and I don’t want anything in return.

Well… almost.

I want you to:

1) Sign a model release so I can share your story
2) Answer some questions for me so I can KNOW your story
3) Invite me to capture a happy time with your loved one
4) Truly enjoy the experience
5) Truly enjoy and appreciate your loved one

Now… I may or may not be a snotty, tearful mess WHILST writing this… but this is to be a happy experience. Because there is nothing better than having someone you love in your life—no matter how long or how short your time is or was together.

Please—share this post. Post it on your facebook pages, blogs, etc. I am limited in how many sessions I can offer since its just me over here, but I want to make sure my message reaches the right people who need this.

To apply:

1) Send an email through the ‘contact’ page on my website. Tell me a little about yourself and your loved one.
2) I am not accepting sessions based on looks, but a link to a picture so I see who you are is great.
3) I am limited to staying within my area, so please be from or willing to come to the bay area, CA.

And now…. because this post was way too serious for someone as ridiculous as myself…. here is my family in silly hats…back in 2008. (yes, I snatched up the Fez). But seriously…How adorable was my mom 🙂