Whispers Photography

Fragile

So it has been a long time and there are so many reasons to tell you why.

If I was going to lay out a map of the past few months it would be the bumpiest most out of the way lost route you have ever seen.  I kinda imagine it like being lost in the amazon and then flipping into the desert all at  once.

Let me focus on the right now.  My Dad about 30 days ago went to The Dorn V.A. hospital in South Carolina to get part of his small intestines removed due to cancer.  Everything went pretty smooth and things were looking good...and then they went totally south.  Infection set in and 3 surgery's later things were not so hot and they told my Dads wife to call us and come say goodbye.

The nurses told us they were shaking in their boots waiting on us to get there because they didn't think we were going to make it in time.  We got there Tuesday afternoon of last week.  I drove and my brother flew in.  I was lucky that my Mom drove me because I don't think I could of handled it at all.

We arrived at the S.I.C.U. and I totally lost it.  The room holds about 7 men all in different stages after major surgery and many of them were not doing so good.  They each have two nurses that go between two patience.  My dad had one full time nurse to watch him the whole time.  There is really no way to make you understand how terrible he looked.  he was pasty white and had what felt like a million tubes going in an out and every machine you could imagine hooked up to him making some kind of noise.  he was breathing because of a ventilator tube down his throat and he was drugged for comfort.

I need you to understand NO one has ever died that I have known... this is a really new thing for me and I have no idea how to handle it.

My step mom made me take a step back and collect myself.  I was told to try not to cry or let him see me crying. That was really hard.  we got gloved up and were able to hold his hand.  We continued this practice every 2 hours for a half an hour till visiting hours were over.

I now have seen what devotion looks like.  If I ever wondered before I know now.  My Dads wife Emma was unfailing in her commitment to be there even when she couldn't get into see him.  She said she just wanted to be near where he was no matter what.  Emma is 75 and that waiting room was the furthest thing from comfortable but she stayed and never gave up.  Then there was my Mom.  She drove me hundreds of miles and stayed in a yucky hotel and waited for us everyday.  She didn't complain or nag about us using her car she just waited to be there for us.  I knew I was loved more then I will ever understand in those moments.  She put herself on hold to be there for me and my brother when we needed her most.  I know what true love and devotion looks like because I seem to have it as well.

When we were there everything was said to be hour by hour.  We kept coming back in the morning and trying to get Emma out between visits and something REALLY cool started to happen he started to improve.  First he would try to talk to us all doped up on the ventilator by writing on our hands.  He was begging for a drink.  Then they slowly took him off the ventilator and but him on a oxygen mask... now he could talk it was hard to understand but he was there.   Next he was on oxygen in is nose with little tubes and he was getting his first taste of cold sorbet and he was so excited.  It was like watching someone come back to life.

This started on a Monday- and was turned around by Saturday.  The nurses and Docs were thrilled and that is hard to do to a V.A. doc or nurse.

I am leaving allot out because in the end the important part is he is getting better ... I believe it is the prayers and my obsessive talking to him reminding him of all the things he has to still do.  Above all I think it was us just being there reminding him how much we love him.

Once he was talking better he told me he didn't think anyone would ever come see him.. that broke my heart.  He still does not know he was on his 4th surgery and that he almost died he thinks we are still working on the first one.  They don't want us to tell him unless he asks what happened.

Soooooo....there you go we are so fragile it is scary. 

I like the way my daughter looks at life and it is a good way to go..simple and to the point put the people you care most about first and everything will fall into line.

She told me last night her new time-line for life.

1. had my birthday

2. Grandpa Bob gets better and goes home to his doggy Sammy and looks for eggs on the day Jesus came back

3. End of school

4. Swimming!

5 Fourth of July Party

6. Start School

7. Joeys Birthday

8. Mommy has the new baby.

SIMPLE and to the point.

Painters are brilliant

I love the painting sessions.  Here is one I pulled really quick.   This is Gracie I have been keeping track of her since she was about a month old I am pretty sure.  Needless to say she was tiny when we met the first time.  I can't believe she is 2 years old where did the time go?

Just loved watching her paint.

Capture the Sweet Fuzziness of Spring

So we've all been enjoying the first blush of spring, the hint of flowers and trees blooming, the short bursts of warm weather. What could make this seem more like spring?

Bunnies! I've had the good luck (Irish luck, perhaps?) to meet a lovely lady who keeps and handles the coolest looking, very sweet bunnies you could meet. She has graciously agreed to help with a SPECIAL SPRINGTIME BUNNY SESSION so that all you can capture your kids welcoming in the best season EVER!

For all those parents who are cringing thinking about the way kids handle their stuffed bunny animals? Don't worry. There are many creative ways to get adorable images, even with the most spring-feverish of children. We've successfully done duck sessions. We're so ready.

All set for the numbered list? So am I!
1) The first session day is Monday, March 30. An additional day might be added if possible.
2) Appointments are 30 minutes each.
3) Please arrive ready to go in your springtime best - these will be quick and fun sessions.
4) Sitting fees are $45 for the first child and $25 for each additional child. Payment is required before the appointment time is confirmed.
5) Each session has a $200 minimum order. The good news for everyone is that, with some new special pricing packages I'm putting together for this session, $200 goes a lot farther than it used to, so you'll definitely get your money's worth.

Don't waste the cute! The lovely, mild days won't last forever, but you can make all the sweetness and joy last for years. We can't wait to see you!

The Bunnies are coming

A very cool limited session is coming.. and it involves cool bunnies!!!

I Just got all the details nailed down and should have dates within the next day or so...

SO EXCITED!

Two years in review-

My sweet Husband sent me this link and I loved it so much I wanted to share it.  It is a cool program that takes your images and puts them into any shape you want.  There is so much you can do with this.  It is awesome you need to check it out Here.

So here is two years of my pictures folder/blog -

It is all Gray outside!

Here is little Gray- He was so sweet.  His day didn't start out at its regular time... it started WAY to early so little Gray was so tired and I was so thrilled that he did so well.  His smile makes you want to jump up and down and make you do it again and again.  I was so happy to see this little one today.

 

Filling up fast!

The Buffet sessions are filling up fast - We still have room with some but I am not sure how much longer.

Feb. 21 Teddy vintage is booked.

Mom and Me has one opening March 7th.

Painters delight March 28th has a few spots left.

There are two spots open for April 4th Ballerina session.

Sidewalk Sessions are Booked! April 18th

The old Cabin which is BEAUTIFUL still has space.  May 2nd.

The Train sessions still have space. May 16th

Dad and me June 13th still have some space.

Call today to get on the books a.s.a.p.

before they are all gone.

Sweet as pie

Kylara- you made my day the other day.  I was so excited to see you thank you for letting me use my new set on you.. YOUR too sweet.  I was so happy Mom was there to help me, this little one moves like lighting and was such a treat to hang out with.

 

Who says an ox is not inspirational?

The Chinese Zodiac says that we have now arrived at the Year of the Ox. I thought about this for a while and was inexplicably delighted by the news. What's so great about an ox, you might ask? I would have no good answer for you except that it got me thinking about that wonderful Asian import: the Chinese buffet. And what does a Chinese buffet have to do with photography?

 

Several things. First, there's something for everyone. Second, none of it is all that expensive. Third, they're just plain easy. All of these qualities make us photographers very happy. So this was the inspiration for my 2009 plan -the Year of the Buffet Sessions.

Here's the plan: I have lined up a whole series of Saturday sessions that will be fun, easy, and budget-friendly. They won't mess with your work schedule and you don't even have to wait for a mass-mail coupon to get a good deal.

To further explain the plan, I will trot out my good friend the numbered list.

1) Sessions are 40 minutes each. Fast and fun is the name of the game.
2) Sitting fee is $35 per child unless noted otherwise. And some of them are group-priced, so those of you with a housefull, pay attention!! Yes, I know this is less expensive than usual but we could all use a break this year, no?
3) Sitting fees are due at the time of booking. Your appointment isn't confirmed until the fee is paid. 
4) Have all the participants dressed in whatever they're going to wear BY the appointment time. Can't say it enough...fast and fun! Or Ready to use our outfits if it is that kinda of session.
5) This series is meant to be simple but flexible, so a lot of packages are geared toward those 8x10 lovers among you. Also, for the FIRST TIME, we're going to offer digital negatives as part of the purchase packages. Those of you with Facebook and Myspace pages to fill up? Now's your chance.
6) NEWSFLASH! Referral BONUS! For every 6 people you refer to these sessions (who book), you will receive one digital negative of your choice (that would be about $500 if purchased separately) and a free gift print from you session.

Ok, now for the good stuff. Here's the Buffet Series calendar:

February 21: Vintage Teddy. Can you say CUTE? This session is geared toward babies 6 months (able to sit up) up to age 2.

 

March 7: Mom and Me. A celebration of moms and kids. Session fee covers all children...and mom, of course.

 

March 28: Painter's Delight. This session is geared toward the artist (who must actually like painting and not mind getting dirty).

 

April 4: Prima Ballerina. Little girls will love playing dress-up with our spectacular ballerina outfits and superstar stage

April 18: Sidewalk Sessions. Huntsville City sidewalks just plain rock. I have gotten some of my best images there - it will make you see this town in a whole new light.

May 2: The Old Cabin: I found this great cabin that is very vintage and cool. It is full of life, color, and sensational imagery.

May 16: All Aboard the Train. Uses trains as a fantastic background for an even more fantastic portrait - equally good for girls or boys.

June 13: Dad and Me. Session fee covers all children and dad.  Hanging out with Dad? And yardwork isn't involved? What could be better?

 

That's it for now, but there will be more so stay tuned! Again, these sessions are only for one day each, so book early for the best spots! To book or find out more about any session, call the office at 256-325-2120 or e-mail me at kristin@whispersphotography.com. 

Three for the show

To say I am behind is an understatement.  This sweet family made it in before the holidays and I just had to share a few.