On this blog, I often write about people I've only known for a short period of time. Our clients are insanely fantastic, and I love having the opportunity to meet new people, observe their unique personality characteristics, and detail our experience with them. Blogging about recently acquired relationships is not super easy, but enjoyably fresh and exciting.
Then, there are times when I have the chance to have someone who is already close to me step in front of my camera. I know their personality. I understand who they are. I've seen them at their worst, and at their best. We're comfortable together. Their session is effortless because our bond is already established.
Which would seem like the more challenging task? Writing about an new friend? Or an old one?
The answer, blog readers, is the latter choice. Hands down.
How do I describe a relationship that developed behind the lens? I sit in front of my computer after shoots like these, dumbfounded by the assignment that lies ahead. I resort to cliches and terrible metaphors in hopes of illustrating something that is intangible.
This afternoon, I've been scraping away at my creative self-esteem by offering several failed, puny attempts (and pounding on the delete key more times than I'd like to admit) to try to depict my friendship with Letty.
And then I had a revelation. Keep it real. Enlightening, right? But it really is that simple. I don't need fancy language or some brilliant analogy - I can just tell it how it is. And that's what I plan on doing.
Letty (along with her husband Bill and their 3 phenomenal kids) have found a place in our lives as some of our closest, most cherished friends. The relationship we have with their family consists of lots of laughter, support, love, trust, encouragement, silliness, and sincerity.
I have several relationships with many great people, but my friendship with Letty is one of the very few that completely embodies all of the previously listed qualities. We have shared tons of remarkably great life experiences together, but more importantly, we have shared remarkably tough life experiences. And that, to me, is the mark of a true, solid camaraderie; not simply being present for the fun times, but trekking through the trenches. Our relationship has withstood countless testing points and I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that it is totally grounded. She's stuck with me for life - regardless of if she really wants to be. ;)
Since I have a tendency to completely digress from the actual purpose of my posts, let's stop there. :)
Letty is a woman of many talents (musician, mother, friend, leader, wife, etc) and recently, she has added "photographer" to her growing repertoire. She started her own business, and asked me to take some shots of her for her
brand new website. We walked through downtown Mt. Dora (stopping for a cupcake along the way, like any normal person would) pushing through the Florida humidity and grabbing some fabulous shots. I'm super proud of Letty, and I am so pumped to see her future in photography. Be sure to leave some love for her on her
blog and check out her
work! :)
Here's some of my favorites from the day:
Wow. I LOVE these pictures. I will definitely very seriously consider giving you a call when I get engaged/married. You are VERY talented! I am so glad I stumbled upon your work!
(07.08.09)